Thomas Roy Ramberg
After a long and courageous battle with Lymphoma, Thomas “Tommy” “T.R” R. Ramberg 69, passed away Thursday, January 14, 2016, surrounded by family and close friends at his home in Helena, Montana
He was born on June 22, 1946 to Roy Ramberg and Margaret Williams.
Tommy is a Helena native and proud to say the great grandchild of Cyrus and Arvie Nelson, the first homesteaders of Nelson, Mt.
Tommy graduated from Helena High in 1964, joined the Army and served during the Vietnam era stationed in Germany for 6 years.
On the morning Tommy left us Nancy turned to me and said, “Tommy loved you Pete, you were the only real brother he ever had”, but Tommy had many brothers. As I write my piece of this I can think of maybe a thousand nice things to say.
Tommy loved many things. He loved to ski, and he skied Germany, Colorado, and Montana. His favorite bands were the Beatles and Kid Rock. He loved to fish and go camping. He was blessed with exceptional physical and athletic skills, his abilities seemed to exceed the normal, this earning him the respect of his teammates and coaches alike. He always loved tending to the fire and was the last to bed! Tommy was a sports enthusiast and always rooted for the Seattle Seahawks! Tommy loved life, lived freely and laughed often. He was the most honest, genuine, humorous, loyal, driven, complicated, uncanny, skillfully deceptive, stubborn, forgiving, and loving man.
One of Tommy’s passions in life was Golf. He and American Legion Sponsored team won the Helena city championship twice and he carded a hole in one on two separate occasions!
Tommy accumulated many close and personal friends with his infectious smile, warm hand shake, pat on the back, or one of those crushing good natured hugs. A friend in need is a friend indeed and you could always count on Tommy being there.
Tommy taught us to cherish your friendships and nourish them, as these are things to be treasured and ones most valuable commodity one will ever possess.
Tommy and the boys are the founders of “The Tic Tac Club”, “Atta Boy Golf”, “Backyard Lunch Bunch”, and “The Spider Gang”. Oh, those were the days he used to say.
After the Army Tommyworked at ASARCO, then went on to be a drywall contractor and worked in other phases of construction. He assisted in the construction of the new science center at Carrol College, and assisted in the construction of some of the buildings in The Great Northern Town Center. He worked hard and played even harder!
Tommy met his bride, Nancy, 24 years ago in Helena. Together they raised 3 children, Beth, Jennifer and Brandon. They had some great vacations, camping trips, and very memorable times over the years. Tommy is preceded in death by his mother and father along with his in-laws Robert Wilson and Frances Rae, and all of his Aunts & Uncles, as well as some Cousins and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy Ramberg, daughter Beth & Chris Rolfe of Helena, daughter Jennifer Bickel of Lincoln and son, Brandon Bickel of Kalispell. He had four grandchildren, Josh, AJ, Caleb and Wade Rolfe, all of Helena.
Memorial Contributions can be directed to leukemia/lymphoma cancer societies. Services will be held Friday January 22nd at Retz Funeral Home 315 E. 6th Ave. Helena, Mt at 1:00 p.m. with a potluck Luncheon following the service at The American Legion 3095 Villard Ave. Burial of ashes will be at a later date.
Until we meet again my friends, “Rock N Roll”
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Friday January 22, 2016
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Friday January 22, 2016
American Legion
3095 Villard Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
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Evy Burris Sass says
Dear Family, It was with great saddness when I read about Tommy’s passing. Please accept my sincerest condolences. I have some happy memories skiing at Belmont/Great Divide, rope tow, palma lift, then T bar (many years gone by). Tom was a great skier, fun guy, tons of laughs. Even though I only saw him once in awhile, he was always the same happy positive person. May Tom rest in peace. Evy
Jennifer Bickel says
I’ll cherish and dearly miss our “bonding” time drinking coffe and watching Supernatural for 4hrs when I was there on my days off! Even though you were in my life for 24yrs it still wasn’t enough time! You were the BEST stepdad anyone could of asked for and I am going to miss you terribly until we meet again!!!! I love you tom so much and thank you for being there for all of us and thank you for taking care of us! We are going to be lost without you!!!
Tammy Sitch says
My thoughts and prayers are with you Nancy. I am so very sorry for your loss. Wish I could hug u right now. Just know we are all thinking of you. God bless you. Love Tammy and Justin
bob wilson says
it seems every time i got to be around this awsome man it was in LINCOLN at a family get to gether an he always made time to talk an make everybodoy welcome an happy will miss him dearly rest in peace my ol friend
Beth Rolfe says
I dearly miss you Tom! You have been a wonderful addition to the family and so good to my mom! I’ll always remember the wonderful times we shared together especially all the camping trips! He absolutely loved camping and all the bon fires. My heart deeply aches with his passing and will be terribly lost without him! Rest in peace stepdad!
Lauri Grantier says
The one time I met you it was a pleasure! Nancy was lucky to meet you and have you in her life. Rip.
Jim Hudson says
So sad to have lost a good friend and “wild and crazy” classmate. Makes one realize how meaningful friendships
are and should be nurtured when we have the chance to do so. That’s why I’m glad we had the chance to visit at our 50th reunion last summer! My condolences to your family and loved ones, Tom – RIP
Jim
John Dahl says
I grew up on Broadway with Tom and have been friends for many years. Will miss him and won’t be able to make the service as I now live in Rathdrum, ID. RIP my friend until we meet again.
Deb & Ray Maberry says
Nancy, we are so sorry for your loss and you have our deepest condolences.
Rick Cottingham says
Nancy and family, In 1955 I walked on to my first baseball field behind the Sunrise Motel. Didn’t know squat about what to do. Tommy walked up and said “Hey kid, just watch me.” I watched him for the next sixty years. Aber Day keggers, swimming the river at the York bridge, campfires at Crow Creek, and St. Patty’s at O’Toole’s. Backed into a doorway by three guys from Butte, Tommy shows up, “Odds are getting better every minute”. I could go on and on about what a standup man Tom was, but everyone reading this has their own stories about him, He was the Pilgrim that Kristofferson sang about, but he was my hero. God bless you Tommy, see you on the other side buddy!
Emily Rundell says
I am so sorry Nancy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Penney Eathorne Sey says
Nancy, beloved family and friends:
Tommy was a kind and loving soul who always came to family dinners and reunions with a big smile from ear to ear and a hug for everyone on his way in the door and then, when he left. He had that unique ability to make people laugh. Tommy was faithful and devoted to his family and his many friends. He was a very special cousin to me and will be missed.
Penney Eathorne Sey
Allen Stenhjem Family says
Rip ‘ll buddy keep it the short grass God Bless………….
The George Tetrault Family says
We are very sorry for your loss. You have our prayers for your comfort.
Linda Young says
Nancy, I am sorry your loss of Tommy. It was a loss to all of us. He was a good person, always smiling, and had a great sense of humor. Linda Young
John peterson says
A poem for my friend Tommy Ramberg
FAREWELL TO A FRIEND
Called up from the minors, to catch in relief.
This dugout seems empty, but there will be no grief.
For you’ve been a great team mate, a fine mentor and friend.
Your words will stay with us, long past season’s end.
The smiles, the laughs, the words of good cheer.
We cherish your friendship, as we hoist this cold beer.
It’s forever Sweet Summer in your new abode.
The smell of new pine tar, the grass freshly mowed.
So don that new jersey, break in that new glove.
Enjoy your rookie season, on the Big Field Above.
GOD BLESS YOU TOMMY RAMBERG
Bill Zuroff says
I’m very sorry to hear of the passing of Tom. He was the first childhood friend that I can remember, at that time I was living one house away from his home on Broadway. Over the years I have thought of him often even though I didn’t see him until I attended our 40th HS reunion. As my wife and I were checking in, he was the first person I saw and before I could say anything he said “Bill, where in the h*** have you been all these years!” Then said to my wife “What ever he told you….I didn’t do it.” My deepest sympathy to his family.
Bill
Dorothy Bruer Thiede says
Dearest Nancy, family and friends, My heart is so heavy with saddenness for the great loss of “Tommy”. He was a friend to all and gave hugs that made this old gal feel special. He teased me for years and called me ” sarge” and I loved every minute of it all. Being widowed young like you Nan, I know how you are feeling. Please call on me for anything large or small…love you Nan… Dorothy
Larry and Lisa Murphy says
I met TR about 40 years ago in our favorite watering hole and have accumulated memories too numerous to mention. I am proud that he called me his friend, as I and my family have considered him ours. We have laughed, bragged, joked, competed, drank and laughed some more. We have been passionate golf buddies for quite some time. I’ll miss him a lot both on and off the course. We will also miss his infectious spirit of joy. Adios, ol’ buddy!
Ron Darlington says
Ah the stories I could tell, ALL of them unseemly at this time. We were buds way, way back in the day, when we were both crazy. I am so sorry to hear he’s gone.
Bob and Donna Anderson says
So sorry to hear of Tom’s death. He was a good person and wonderful friend. I have fond memories of playing sports with Tom all through the years from the old YMCA, High School and on the golf course. We will miss you old buddy.
Bob and Donna Anderson
Judi Dahl Foutz says
Loved his smile and the way he could always make you laugh. You will be missed Tommy. Rest in peace!
Tasa miles says
Nancy and family,
My prayers are with you at this difficult time. Tommy was a wonderful man and such a great friend to my dad. Rest in peace. You will be missed.
Jim and Sally (Russell) Wilcox says
Even though we do not know you Nancy, we are so saddened by Tommy’s passing. We have know him for years and he was always one terrific human being! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, now and the days ahead. God Bless each and every one.
Stevie Cary Perkins says
I lost touch with so many of my classmates, having left town after high school. But I don’t remember a time being in the same room with Tommy when we weren’t all laughing. He always had a smile and a laugh, and a harmless joke. So happy to read that he didn’t ever lose that love for life. Love and light to the family.
Lila Martinsen Garrick says
Nancy thoughts and prayers your way. Tom was blessed to have you in his life, and you were blessed to hve him.
John and Lola Calhoun says
Tommy will be missed very much, we had some very good times with him and he was like a brother…we are all “Framily”. I especially remember our road trip to Billings a year ago and getting lost in Livingston of all places. Tommy and I swore to never tell a sole. His memory will always be in our hearts and we will all see you again Tommy. We love you and will miss you terribly. Nancy I love you sister and know we are always there for you. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family and friends.
art wilmer says
I don’t know but I’ve been told “keep on dancin’ you’ll never grow old”
Dan and Penny Cloninger says
Tommy you will be missed, a great cousin and friend. Lots of friends and family have greeted you with a big hug you will keep them smiling.
Marilyn Blakey-Hayes says
I first knew Tommy as my Biology lab partner at HHS. Tom and I were friends back in the day when we were all wild and crazy. I will always remember his wonderful, infectious smile and laugh. Rest in peace.
From all of us says
TOMMY
FRIEND EMERITUS!
Jennie (Peterson) Coen says
Nancy,
I haven’t written on here until now because I don’t know what to say. I still don’t know what to say but I have really been wanting to write this to you. I want to tell you that I loved my “Uncle” Tommy, but you already know that. So, I want to tell you that I am here for you and I love you, Nancy. I am praying for you, Beth, Jennifer, Brandon, my Dad, Danny, Larry, Jimmy, Charlie… all the gang… and everyone! I love you all! Tommy was very special to me. I grew up thinking of him as my Uncle. When I was little, Uncle Tommy taught me how to build forts. Believe it or not, there is a fort building technique and Uncle Tommy was a pro! We had so much fun one time, he earned the nickname “Uncle Tommy the tent maker” from me. I will remember him every year on my Birthday because every chance he got, he would come celebrate the 4th of July with me (my birthday) and blow up our back yard with fireworks, with my Dad. They were quite the rebels, those two, and they always made it a crazy special Birthday for me. That will be in my heart every year on the Fourth of July. I will think of him every time I hear the song “Cover Of The Rolling Stone” by Dr. Hook because that was Tommy & my Dad’s theme song together. I will think of him every time I tee off and hit the ball waaaayyyyyyyy farther than my Dad at golf, sorry Dad but you know it’s true. The way I imagine Tommy in heaven is smiling and doing crazy fun things… like the time him & my Dad were playing football in our backyard and broke the basement window… OOPS! I can only imagine the looks on their faces and the laughs they shared afterward were priceless. Tommy always took care of my Dad & made sure he wasn’t being too grumpy. He always made sure my Dad was having way too much fun! Most of all, I am really, truly going to miss walking into my parents house and seeing Tommy sitting there at the kitchen table with my Dad hanging out. That chair there, by the window, across the table from my Dad, will always be Uncle Tommy’s chair.
Love,
“Little Petey”
Jennie Rae Peterson (Coen)
Joseph Hall says
So much to say but what comes to the top is that we never connect back up over the years, I’m so sorry that never happen. I was a transplant from North Dakota and Tom in high school became friends, Tom went in the army 64 I went in 65 in 1971 we reconnect and a few us Montana both ended up in Tucson Az. Some of the best days in my life was with that crazy man. Nancy so sorry for loss, it was very nice taking to you. Finally don’t wait to see old friends. RIP Tom as Ramberg your are missed.
Love you man.
Leon and Marsha Belville says
Tom were always a good friend to us. and kept up a Good fight the best he could against the cancer. He will be missed by so many.
Carol Fallang Kussman says
Tom (T.R.) was a great cousin to have. Always a smile and a hug and he made life fun, I will miss him!
Mary Jo O'Brian says
Just remembering all the fun times had by all. Tommy had such a big heart. Sending my thoughts and prayers to all who loved him
William DeoGracias says
I just finished reading all of your tributes to Tommy Ramberg. In all of the wonderful character descriptions, there was a common thread that pointed out Tom’s outstanding personality and his ability to disarm one with his infectious humor and laugh. It is obvious from your testimonies that he was able to culture and perfect these gifts as he grew older. I can vouch for all of you because this is what I witnessed and experienced in the short U.S. Army time that we spent together in 1965-67. Let me begin by sharing my first introduction with Ramberg. It was December in Munchweiler Germany, Company B Centag, 1965. When I met him, he had a nasty, stitched gash that was about 3 or 4 inches long on his face. He said that he was in a bar fight with some service guy who was much bigger than him. The guy threw Ramberg through a glass window. It was easy to see from his initial demeanor and his (no back down attitude), that he was a fearless young man. Together we had a few late night barroom scrapes….too much German beer influencing young men’s overactive testosterone! This oftentimes compels some young men to prove their manhood. It was always comforting to have Ramberg back to back with me during one of these scuffles. In 1966, on a train trip to Amsterdam, a group of drunken Canadian servicemen were terrorizing passengers. Big mistake for them when they challenged myself, Tom and 3 other buddies, who were enjoying the beautiful Rhine River views. It was over pretty quick and on the next stop, we gave the Canadians a finger salute as they were all thrown off the train. This is one of a few funny stories that I have about Ramberg. He is in the top ten names of my lifetime memorable friends list.
Now here is the sadness of this story. Ironically, yesterday I found Tom’s obituary…..now I am doubly grieved as I wanted to tell him of the passing away of another of our Army buddies. Today November 8, 2017, I attended the funeral of Bernie Kosior in Houma, LA.
I posted 2 photos on Tom’s obituary page: Bernie is on the right in the group pic in Amsterdam. I am standing next to Bernie. Ramberg is on the bike……of course! In the second pic, Ramberg is standing as a gentleman walks by.
So to Tom Ramberg’s family and all of his dear friends. God Bless all of you. Thank you for your tributes to a good and honorable man. I am proud to have known him. May the Good Lord rest his soul!…..William DeoGracias, New Orleans, LA