David E. Hanson Ramsett (78) passed away Jan. 6, 2021, at Leesburg (Fla.) Regional Hospital. He was born May 12, 1942, to Harold and Eleanor Hanson. Following their deaths, he was adopted by Arnold and Beulah Ramsett and lived before marriage in the Viroqua, Wis., area, graduating from Viroqua High School in 1960.
He joined the Wisconsin National Guard and became active in the fall of 1960 for stationing in Ft. Lewis, Wash. On Aug. 25, 1962, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Maureen D. (Rude) Ramsett ‘64. They attended Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in Economics and Public Administration May 1965.
Awarded a NDEA scholarship, he enrolled in graduate programs at the University of Oklahoma, Norman, Okla., and completed his Master’s and Ph.D. degrees Aug. 1968. David began his professional career as Assistant Professor of Economics at the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa. In the fall 1970, he and family moved to Grand Forks, N.D., to become Director of the Economics Leadership Studies Program and Assistant Professor in the Economics Department of the University of North Dakota. He advanced from Associate Professor to full Professor in the College of Business and Public Administration and subsequently chaired the Department of Economics. During his 30 UND years, he served on numerous committees and authored two books.
David and family enjoyed being together at their lake home in nearby Detroit Lakes, Minn., where he and Maureen lived part-time upon his 2001 UND retirement. In 2006 they purchased a home in The Villages, Fla., for their winter living. He loved to swim, water ski, fish and golf; and dearly loved watching his Packers play football and the Badgers play basketball. His favorite lake place was the house deck enjoying all the activity and the views.
He was preceded in death by his biological and adoptive parents and is survived by his wife of 58 years, two daughters—Renee Yoder (Doug) of Elkton, Va., and Jodi Achterberg (Wayne) of Loveland, Ohio; and one son, Dean Ramsett (Holly) of Andover, Kan. Also mourning his death and missing him are his three biological brothers—Ralph Thurin (Christine) of Viroqua, Wis.; Roger Elver (Rita) of Fitchburg, Wis.; and Daniel Ellefson (Deborah) of Saline, Mich.; and six granddaughters (Hannah Lester, Abigail Perry, Peyton and Paige Ramsett, and Lexi and Jenna Achterberg), two great granddaughters (Eloise and Cecilia Lester), and many nieces and nephews.
His children and their families brought much joy to his life.
Due to Covid, a celebration of David’s life was postponed. He will be buried at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fla.
Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory in Leesburg, Fla., was entrusted with arrangements.
Memorials can be made to the University of North Dakota Foundation--Department of Economics and Finance, 3501 University Avenue, Stop 8157, Grand Forks, ND 58202 or other charities of choice.
Condolences may be left online at www.BeyersFuneralHome.com. Blessed be his memory.