Viola “Vi” H. Ramaekers

Viola “Vi” H. Ramaekers

September 25, 1941 – November 30, 2022

VISITATION: Thursday, December 8th, 5PM followed by a 7PM VIGIL at West Center Chapel.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Friday, December 9th, 10:30AM, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 14330 Eagle Run Dr.

Rosary: Saturday, December 10th, 11AM, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 2801 W E St. North Platte, Nebraska.

Interment: Saturday, December 10th, at Floral Lawns Cemetery, 8100 S. Dodge Hill Rd. North Platte, Nebraska.

To view a livestream of the services, go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Essential Pregnancy Services (HOME – Essential Pregnancy Services Omaha NE (essentialps.org)), Spirit Catholic Radio (Donate – Spirit Catholic Radio: Spirit Catholic Radio) or COR Expeditions (Donate – Wyoming Catholic College) in Vi’s name would be greatly appreciated.

Viola “Vi” H. Ramaekers, born on September 25, 1941, passed away on November 30, 2022. She was preceded in passing by her husband, Bill Ramaekers; father, Elmer Hennes; mother, Helen Hennes; stepmother, Anne Hennes; and sister Donna Hennes.

Vi is survived by her daughter, Donna Murphy (Jim); sons: Bill Ramaekers (Chris), Bob Ramaekers (Michelle), Steve Ramaekers (Keri); 18 grandchildren: Brittny Hermann (Shawn), Sean Murphy (Tiffany), Zach Murphy (Jenny), Chelsea Krastel (Matthew), Nicole Ramaekers, Matt Ramaekers, Austin Ramaekers (Maddy), David Gatete, Jacob Ramaekers, Lauren Borcyk (Aaron), Thomas Ramaekers, Sarah Ramaekers, Joseph Ramaekers, Anna Ramaekers, Grace Ramaekers, Taylor Ramaekers, Alec Ramaekers and Frankie Ramaekers; and 9 great-grandchildren: Olivia Hermann, Claire Hermann, Hunter Hermann, Heidi Hermann, Mickey Murphy, Meera Murphy, Sophie Ramaekers, and baby Borcyk.

Vi grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and attended Mercy High School. She met her husband, Bill, at Catholic Youth Organization (CYO). They married in December 1962 and moved to McCook, Nebraska, where they had their first child. Vi and Bill moved to North Platte, Nebraska, in 1966.

While in North Platte, Vi helped Bill establish a CPA firm after he left the IRS. In the beginning, they worked out of their living room until they could find office space. Vi’s quiet but unwavering support over the years helped the firm grow to become well-known and respected in North Platte and the surrounding area. Vi was also very active in the community. She was a 4-H leader, a Cub Scout leader, and a member of the altar society. She participated in many prayer groups, volunteered to answer calls from young expectant mothers considering abortion, and volunteered at the school, all while raising four children. She never missed any of her kids’ school activities or athletic events.

Bill died in 1990, and in 1997, Vi moved to Omaha to be closer to her children and her growing number of grandchildren. In Omaha, she continued attending all her grandkids’ school activities and sporting events and participated in multiple Church activities. Vi carried the banner of matriarch with pride, and her home in Omaha was always a beehive of activity. She hosted large family gatherings for holidays, Sunday lunches, and birthdays. She was a model of humility and patience (which is a virtue, she would always say).

Vi was a deeply loving person who wouldn’t hesitate to help her friends and family. Vi will be remembered by those closest to her as a loving and dedicated mother, wife, and friend.
Her children and grandchildren describe her as patient, resilient, devoted, “vi” vaceous, virtuous, selfless, loyal, truthful, generous, and holy. She will be sorely missed.
Viola was greatly appreciated and loved by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and will always be remembered.