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Ramsey, Norman A.
Norman A. Ramsey, a longtime Cedar Rapids resident, died at age 88 on July 11, 2012, in Appleton, Wis., surrounded by family.
He was born Nov. 23, 1923, in Columbus, Ohio, to Dr. Raymond and Lelah (Ottman) Ramsey. Norman attended the Columbus School of Art and Design, Ohio State University, and the Oberlin School of Theology, and earned bachelors and masters degrees in education from North Texas State University. He taught speech and debate at several colleges and universities, including Wartburg College and St. Olaf College.
He produced the documentary film Urbanlandia for the Minneapolis City Planning Department in 1966. He had a lifelong interest in architecture and presented a paper before the International Conference on Tall Buildings in Hong Kong in 1998. Norman's extensive personal collection documenting the evolution of the skyscraper was donated to the Chicago-based International Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat in 2011.
Norman is survived by his wife, Donneita; his three children, Douglas (Diane) Ramsey, Savage, Minn., Kristen (Ron) Thigpen, Granbury, Texas, and Greg (Sheri) Ramsey, Appleton, Wis.; and his grandchildren, Adam and Allison Ramsey, Abbey Thigpen, and Violet Ramsey.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, William and Robert; and in-laws, Ernest and Marie Nielsen.
Norman was a long time member of First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids. A private memorial service is planned for a later date.
Blessed be his memory.
Published July 20, 2012 in The Gazette
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