Joel D. Ramirez, 91, of Ballwin, MO, formerly of Rock Falls, IL, died Saturday, August 26, 2022, at his daughter’s home in Manchester, MO.
He was born December 15, 1930, in Mercedes, TX, the son of Isreal and Sarah (Delgado) Ramirez. He married Sharon Kay (Heflin) Galena, IL, October 7, 1960. He worked at North Western Steel and Wire of Sterling , IL, for 33 years. Joel had many talents, passions, and love throughout his life. He always made sure to make his family feel loved and protected. He loved to make the family laugh, dance, and sing. He adored and made such an impact on his village, that he called family. Joel will be deeply missed and remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
He is survived by his wife; daughters, Ruth Richards of Sterling, Irma (Mark) Stoudt of Rock Falls, Linda Thomas of Rockford, IL, Elena (Johnny) Goodell of Overland, MO, Eilien (Kris) Ramirez of Manchester; sons, Joel (Sandy) Ramirez of San Tan Valley, AZ , Eliseo Ramirez of Scottsdale, AZ, Caleb (Connie) Ramirez of Eldena, IL, and Alec (Laura) Vanlanduit of University City, MO; sister, Noemi Soria of Visalia, CA; brothers, Reguino Gallegos of Progresso, Mexico, and Ezekiel (Isabelle) Gallegos of Morrison, IL; 16 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents; two children; brothers, Noe Ramirez, David Ramirez, and Fernando Gallegos.
Visitation will take place from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Friday, September 2, 2022, at McDonald Funeral Home of Rock Falls, IL.
Funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, September 3, 2022, at the funeral home, with Pastor Jason Borton, of Harvest Time Bible Church of Rock Falls, IL, officiating.
Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Sterling, IL, following the services at the funeral home.
Memorials have been established to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.