Frank E. Ramirez, Sr.

Frank E. Ramirez, Sr. 85, of Springfield, died at 10:45 a.m. on Friday, December 28, 2012 at Memorial Medical Center. Frank was born March 1, 1927 in Springfield, the son of Abraham and Ignacia Hernandez Ramirez. He married Antoinette "Skip" Cozza on March 13, 1953 in Springfield. She preceded him in death on February 26, 1985. Frank married Rose Bietsch Manning on November 23, 1985 in Springfield. Frank was a 1945 graduate of Lanphier High School. While at Lanphier, Frank played for the only undefeated football team for LHS which was inducted into the Springfield Sports Hall of Fame. He then attended Arkansas State University where he played football and Western Illinois University where he played baseball. He proudly served our country in the United States Army from 1945-1946. Recently a member of St. Agnes Parish, he was also a Grand Knight and a Charter Member at Devereaux Heights Knights of Columbus. Frank was known for being a hard worker, a loving father, a loyal husband, and a family man. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, supporting his local 1168 Glaziers Union, and the St. Louis Cardinals. Two of his proudest moments were when Frank was inducted into the Springfield Sports Hall of Fame and running an 80 yard touchdown against Cathedral in 1944. He was preceded in death by his parents; one infant brother, Robert; one sister, Rosalie; four brothers, Phil, Manuel, Louis and Raymond Ramirez; one grandson, Jacob, and his first wife, Antoinette Ramirez. He is survived by his wife, Rose Ramirez of Springfield; seven children, Celeste (husband, Jim) Egger of Des Moines, IA, Sr. Elyse M. Ramirez, O.P. of LaGrange Park, IL, Monica (husband, Joe) Maggio of Springfield, Frank (wife, Gerilynn) Ramirez, Jr. of Springfield, Ramona Ramirez Jameson of Loami, Jessica (husband, Jeff) Richards, and Paul (wife, Janet) Ramirez, both of Springfield; one step-daughter, Roseann Minchew of Dora, AL; fifteen grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; brothers, Joe and Abe Ramirez, both of Springfield; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 3, 2013 at St. Cabrini Catholic Church, 1020 N. Milton Ave., Springfield. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery, where military honors will be provided by Interveteran's Burial Detail of Sangamon County. Memorial contributions may be made to: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 5005 LBJ Freeway, Suite 250, Dallas, TX 75244 or St. Cabrini Catholic Church, 1020 N. Milton Ave., Springfield, IL 62702.