Alvara C. Ramm

Alvara Catherine Ramm, age 79, of Columbus, passed away Friday, Sept. 29, 2006, at the Columbus Community Hospital.

Visitation was held from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2006, at the McKown Funeral Home in Columbus with a 4 p.m. CDA rosary and a 7 p.m. vigil service. Visitation will continue on Thursday (today), Oct. 5, 2006, from 3-8 p.m. at the Seger Funeral Home in Atkinson with a 7 p.m. vigil service.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 6, 2006, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Stuart. Father Luke Steffes officiated the service. Music was provided by soloist, Bonnie Krysl, accompanied by Deb Kaup, organist.

Pallbearers were Justin Ramm, Jim Ramm, Bill Ramm, Jon Ramm, Andrew Goebel and Jerry Nissen. Honorary pallbearers were Luvern Olberding, Don Schmaderer, Bob Kohle, Rollie Kunz, Max Kunz and Andy Ramold.

Interment will be in the St. Boniface Cemetery in Stuart.

Alvara was born March 28, 1927, in Stuart, to John James and Anna (Ackermann) Ramm. She was raised in Stuart and graduated in 1944 from St. Mary's School in O'Neill. In 1948, she graduated from St. Mary's College in Leavenworth, KS. Alvara received her master's degree from the University of South Dakota in 1964. She owned and operated her father's insurance business for 15 years before going on to teach at St. Mary's School in O'Neill, Carter Lake, Iowa and Columbus Public Schools.

She was a member of St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters of America, Nebraska Music Educators Association, Music Teachers National Conference, Nebraska State Education Association, National Education Association, Retired Teachers Association, past president of the Lambda Association, one of the founders and first year president of the Nebraska Elementary Music Educators, C.E.A., and the National Private Music Association.

In addition to various educators organizations, Alvara was a member of the VFW Post #3704 Auxiliary where she was past president and served as musician, Hartman Post #84 American Legion Auxiliary where she was past president, Seroptimist International serving several terms on the board of directors, a charter member of the Clean Community Commission, Girl Scout leader for five years, and director of various adult vocal groups.

Alvara is survived by several cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

Remembrances may be sent to www.mckownfuneralhome.com.