Laurence Ramsey

Laurence A. Ramsey, age 90, of Crystal, ND passed away on Sunday, January 30, 2011, at his home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, February 5, 2011, at 10: 30 a.m. at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Crystal, ND. Visitation will be held Friday, February 4th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Burial in the St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery.
Laurence Alton Ramsey was born August 6, 1920, in rural Crystal, ND, to Edward and Hellen (Reilly) Ramsey. He graduated from Crystal High School in 1938. In August of 1942, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. After serving stateside, he shipped out to Guam in the Pacific Theater in March of 1945. After his discharge in 1946, he enrolled at the University of New Mexico, where he received his degree in civil engineering in 1950.
As an engineer, Laurence worked for the North Dakota Highway Department and the Army Corps of Engineers on the Garrison Dam. After his return to Crystal in June of 1954, he worked for Pembina County, the Soil Conservation Service, and as county engineer for Cavalier County from 1959 to 1976. Included among the various dams he worked on was the initial survey for Renwick Dam at Icelandic State Park. Among the various private surveys he did was the initial one for Frost Fire Ski Resort at Walhalla in 1976, followed by another one there in 1985. He also raised cattle at his farm near Crystal from 1958 until 2008.
On June 30, 1947, he married Helen O'Sullivan at Crystal.
Survivors include his wife, Helen; sons: L. Thomas Ramsey, Honolulu, HI, Michael Ramsey, Grand Forks, ND, Bruce (Kathy) Ramsey, Golden, CO, Doug Ramsey, Crystal, and Edward (Jane) Ramsey, Bloomington, MN; daughters: Kathleen Korte, Grimes, IA, Theresa (John) Mlinar, Coon Rapids, MN, and Mary Jo (Ron) Slaathaug, Thompson, ND; 10 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents; and sisters: Donna Matter and Jo Pat Prosek.
Celebrant: Rev. Fr. Robert Pecotte