HURON — Douglas K. Ramsell, age 69, of Huron, passed away on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the Avera McKennan Medical Center in Sioux Falls.
His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 13, at the Holy Trinity Catholic Parish in Huron.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday June 12, at the Kuhler Funeral Home, with family present from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday evening.
Douglas Kim Ramsell, the son of Paul and Ila (Baum) Ramsell, was born on July 5, 1955, at Huron Hospital the third of three children, joining his sister, Sondra and brother, Scott. Doug grew up on the family farm northeast of Huron where they raised hogs and dairy cows. Doug started his schooling at Valley Township Country School before finishing his school years in Huron, graduating in 1973. Doug then attended South Dakota State University in Brookings. There he received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Ag Business.
Doug married Jane (Dewald) on January 7, 1977, at St. Martins Church in Huron. The couple lived in Brookings, until Doug finished college in December of 1978. It was during this time in Brookings that the couple welcomed their first of three daughters.
In 1979, Doug and Jane moved to Huron. It was here that the couple has spent the last 46 years building a full life together, adding two more daughters, and eventually three sons-in-law, and his beloved grandchildren.
Doug worked on the family farm for many years until the family retired from farming. Doug had a passion for people, so much so that he began a second career in sales working for a time selling cell phones before finishing his sales career at Slumberland Furniture. In retirement, Doug’s passion for politics gained him a seat on the Beadle County Commission in 2017. In 2020, he became Chairman, holding the title until his passing.
Doug was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, the Elks, Washington Elementary PTO president, and served for many years on the Valley Township Board. Doug most enjoyed his years involved with the local Jaycees where he gained innumerable lifelong friends. It was here Doug held many of the local, district and state offices, finally serving as the Jaycees State President in 1988-89.
Doug enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends, hosting many get-togethers. In fact, the farm’s Centennial Celebration in 2024 was a highlight for him, celebrating with his family and many cousins.
Doug loved watching his daughter’s, and in recent years his grandchildren’s, many activities. He also loved working in his yard and tending to his garden around his home. In retirement, Doug loved to travel with his wife, Jane, and hoped to visit all 50 states. He nearly succeeded too, having made it to all but two of the 50 states.
Grateful for having shared in Doug’s life are his wife of 48 years, Jane of Huron; three daughters, Charlotte (Mike) Zell, Alaina (David) Harrington, both of Huron, and Kristin (Scott) Manning of Ankeny, Iowa; four grandkids, Abagail and Deklan Harrington and Owen and Mason Manning; one sister, Sondra Kimball; his mother-in-law, Patty Dewald; many cousins, nieces and nephews; and several brothers- and sisters-in law.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Scott Ramsell; three brothers-in-law, Ronald Kimball, David Karst and Paul Mertz; his stepfather, Mac Haskell; and his father-in-law, Joe Dewald.
