Harvey M Ransdell

Private family graveside services and inurnment for Harvey M. Ransdell will be held in the Freewater Cemetery in rural Ragan, Nebraska with Chaplain DeWane Dow officiating.  Military honors will be provided by the Wilcox American Legion Post #377 in conjunction with the United States Army Funeral Honors Team.

Harvey Milton Ransdell, 85 years of age, of rural Wilcox, Nebraska, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska.  Harvey was born December 13, 1934, on the family farm south of Ragan in Harlan County, Nebraska, the seventh of eight children to Wilmer and Florence Elizabeth (Perkins) Ransdell.  He received his education from Ragan Public School, graduating from Ragan High School with the class of 1953.

Following his education, Harvey and his brother, George engaged in farming south of Ragan.  On November 14, 1957, he was inducted into the United States Army, serving overseas in Germany during peacetime.  On November 13, 1959, he was honorably discharged.  Harvey continued to serve in a reserve capacity until November 13, 1963, and returned home to the family farm in Harlan County.

On June 11, 1961, he was united in marriage to Iona K. Richards of Woodruff, Kansas.  To this union two children were born:  Bryan Harvey and Cindy Raye.  The family made their home in Harlan County, northeast of Ragan.  Harvey loved the labor of the land, and also throughout the years had a cow/calf operation and raised hogs as well.  Besides farming, Harvey was a talented welder, and worked in production welding and other jobs on the side to help support the families' needs.  After his retirement, Harvey continued to maintain the cow/calf operation; the farm never left his heart!

In early years, Harvey and Iona loved to square dance, and were part of the "Prairie Shufflers" Square Dance Club.  He also enjoyed tending to the garden, which provided produce for the family.  Family and farming was the focus of his life.  This past June, Harvey and Iona celebrated their 59 ^th Wedding Anniversary.

Besides his parents; Harvey was preceded in death by his elder siblings:  Clinton "Barney" Ransdell and his wife, Shirley; Grace Schuman and her husband, Frank; Cora Mae Hill and husband, Bert Corden; Alice Abramson and her husband, Jim; Vivian Heidemann and her husband, Willis; George Ransdell and his wife, Maryln; and brother-in-law, Dale Holm.

Harvey leaves to celebrate his life; his wife, Iona Ransdell of rural Wilcox; his two children:  Bryan Ransdell of Huntley, Nebraska and Cindy Ruhs and her husband, Gary of Holdrege; one grandson, Jacob Ransdell and his fiancé, Megan Fultz of Phoenix, Arizona; one sister, Mary Jane Holm of Holdrege; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The family is honoring Harvey's wish for cremation.  There will be no visitation or memorial book signing.

A memorial has been established in Harvey's honor, and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.