Jay Martin Ramlo, age 76, of Helena, died of natural causes on January 30, 2023.
Jay was born Feb. 24, 1946 in Libby, MT to Pete and Isabelle Ramlo He was educated in Libby and graduated from Libby High School. He then attended Northern Montana College and Oregon Polytechnic Institute, graduating with a degree in Architectural Engineering.
He worked for Trus-Joist Corp in Hillsboro, Oregon for one year before returning to Montana and beginning a career with the Montana Highway Commission.
On September 16, 1972, he married Martha Baumann in Conrad. The couple lived in Helena where he worked at various positions in the Department of Transportation. Upon retiring from MDT he began working at Hagler-Anderson Funeral Home where he was awarded the title of “Director of Transportation”.
Jay was a Life member of the National Rifle Association, a forty five year Hunter Education Instructor, a member of Fish, Wildlife and Parks Dept’s TIP-MONT board, and a member of the New Life Lutheran Church.
Jay took great pleasure in his family, dogs, the cabin on Pipe Creek, fine firearms, mountains, streams, hunting trips with family and friends, and all the natural wonders of Montana. In 1996 Jay and his boys took the trip of a lifetime to the interior of Alaska for the purpose of hunting Caribou.
Jay is preceded in death by his parents and his wife Martha. Survivors include two sons Andrew of Bozeman and Peter of Missoula; and a sister Kay Nessland of Havre.
A Memorial Service will be held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 17, 2023, with a coffee and cookie reception to follow in the Social Hall of the funeral home. Burial of his ashes will be held at a later date at Forestvale Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday February 17, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Coffee and Cookies
Following the service
Friday February 17, 2023
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Friday February 17, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Coffee and Cookies
Following the service
Friday February 17, 2023
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Sally Russell and Jim Wilcox says
We are so very sad to hear this. Thoughts and prayers you way. 💔🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💔
Lorraine Karwaski says
Ramlo family – so sorry to hear about Jay’s passing. He was an amazing man. Always smiling and laughing. I’ve known him for 20+ years through FWP and Hunter Education. My deepest sympathies. RIP Jay.
John Ulberg says
I am very sorry to hear of Jay’s passing. He was my right hand man for many years in MDT Road Design. He took pride in his work, and was good at it. We also shared lots of stories of our common bonds with his hometown of Libby. But my main memory is of the true Montana
man with a beaming smile, a contagious laugh, a generous spirit, and a handshake that could crush walnuts! May Pete and Andy and family
be comforted by good memories. God bless you.
Dori Lynn Wetherelt says
We are saddened by the loss of our friend. I met Jay at MDT and we still talked and got together after his retirement.
He loved ro tease me about the name of my hometown and mispronounced it unpurpose to try and get a rise out of me (which never worked).
May our Heavenly Father comfort and strengthen Pete, Andy and all those who are mourning Jay.
Prayers and thoughts are with you.
Allen & Kathy Chambers says
Kathy and I want to offer our condolences on the passing of your father. It was an honor knowing your father and mother and having the opportunity to work with Jay for many many years at the MDT. I considered your father a leader in the Consult Design Section and in the community volunteering his time as a hunters safety instructor and assisting at the funeral home when ever possible for many years. God Bless!
Ed Larson says
Jay welcomed me to MDT and my family to New Life Lutheran. He was a man of his word and faith backed by a strong will and steady resolve. Jay was a mentor to many at work, extending knowledge freely and advice as he thought you might need (backed with humor and kindness). I had the good fortune to have lunch with him less than a month ago. I cherish that day and each time we talked on the phone. Peter and Andy, Jay is with his Savior. The promise has been kept and the hope remains.
Ivan Ulberg says
Jay was a kind, loving and compassionate person. Always ready to lend an ear, or to tell a story. His laugh was contagious! And when he rode his bike he kind of looked like a BEAR escaping from the circus from the back! Another good man has been sent on his way.
Jeff Applin says
Jay was my boss and friend for a number of years in the Consultant Design Section of the MDT. I learned many things from Jay about the job, the politics of MDT and most importantly to not take things to seriously. He was the most good natured and up beat person I have ever met. He made every day at work almost enjoyable. I will never forget his infectious laughter and smile. I pray for comfort for Jay’s entire family during these difficult times. Rest assured he is heaven now and Jesus is laughing uncontrollably as Jay jokes around.
Magali Tapia Giron says
The first time I met him, I called him Mr. Ramlo. He said “please God don’t call me that ; call me Jay “. I hesitated, unsure of being so straightforward calling him by his name so I said “how about I call you pops”. We both smiled and it was official, he became my pops afterwards. We shared so many laughs and wonderful times together. He not only became my pops but my best roommate! He was a wonderful human being with a heart of gold. I will miss so much. My heart is with you dear Andy and Peter. Hugs to you both at the distance from Peru. Rest in peace sweet pops.
Guy Rainville says
Jay was my initial supervisor at MDT, a mentor and friend. I was fortunate enough to have lunch with him two weeks prior to his passing. I will miss him!
Ed Beall says
Very sorry to hear of Jay’s passing. Jay was a good natured guy who shared his love of hunting and shooting with so many folks over so many years. His imprint on the Helena Community will remain for many years to come. He always had good humor and was a man of character. Peace be with all of Jay’s family, rest well in Heaven Jay.
Carol Henderson says
I was gifted with Jay’s friendship through my next door neighbor, but you would have thought I had know him for years. He came into my life about the time I lost my older brother and helped fill the vacancy for a kind, generous, humorous man who was willing to listen and had wonderful advice. In addition he was so helpful — If I even mentioned a minor problem at my house, he was there in minutes to fix it . We didn’t practice the same faith , but we both had great faith and talked freely about it. I know he is in Heaven with his beloved wife. Andy and Pete, I haven’t had the good fortune to meet you yet, But Jay talked about you often. My prayers are with you both.
lawrence frideres says
Jay was the kind of person that he would help no matter how busy he was.
I remember when we lived in the same apartment house Jay skinning a porcupine and ask me if I wanted to try it! I thought he was joking but he wasn’t, so I tried it and have to say it wasn’t very tasty.
I will miss his funny stories about state workers at MDT.
Bon Voyage.
Bob Fischer says
Rest peacefully, Jay. I’ve lost a friend. Donna and I will miss you, as will your old yellow friend Dillon.
Bob Fischer says
Rest peacefully, Jay. You’ve been a good friend. Donna and I will miss you, as will your old yellow friend Dillon.
Lynn DeYoung and Carolyn says
A countenance and open, welcoming presence, assured and made certain in his iron grip – that is the man who greeted and facilitated my family and me to move to Montana back in 1992. We became Montanans because of his very genuine welcome to this place. Certainly God has taken Jay into His iron embrace, welcoming him into eternity.
Cheryl and Terry Fowler says
Andy and Peter, We are so sorry to hear about you dad’s passing. We will never forget how both of your parents welcomed us to the neighborhood many years ago. We have good memories of the times we shared. I will never forget your dad shooting his muzzle loader off at 5:00 am under our bedroom window on my 40th birthday, along with my car stuffed full with crumpled up newspapers and when I tried to use our other car, I found it chained to a log. Of course that was after we had filled his car with balloons on his 40th. He was a good man with a great sense of humor. I am sorry we will not be able to attend his memorial service. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sharron Sverdrup says
To The Ramlo family, I had the pleasure of meeting Jay while helping him sell a home that he was Personal Representative for here in Libby, Mt. I enjoyed working with him as he was very kind and friendly. He stopped in to say Hello maybe a year ago or so after he had been sick, and I was so sorry to hear of his illness. I am writing this because I had only known him a short time but, in that time, he had made a huge impression on me. He was a lovely man. My sincere condolences for your loss. My prayers are with your family.
Rick and Julie Massaro says
We are saddened to learn of Jay’s passing. We were neighbors of his and Martha’s down in Sunhaven and we enjoyed any conversations with them. When my husband was deployed to Iraq Jay was always the first one over snow blowing the sidewalk and driveway or mowing the lawn for me. He talked of his boys with such pride. We moved from Sunhaven about 8 years ago and we regret not staying in touch with Jay. He was a true gem. Our heartfelt condolences to his family.
Kathy and Rick Jensen says
Peter and Andy, we are so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. We visited with him a lot throughout the years. He was a good man. He is happy to be with your mom, they have a lot of catching up to do. Know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Willie & Colleen Stephenson says
My wife and I both met Jay while working at the MDT. Jay and I shot trap on the same squad for years. His smile was contagious and he always had a kind word. Rest in peace my friend.
Wally and Pep and Greg Jewell, and critters. says
Jay and I were both Libby Loggers but I really came to know Jay when Pep and I moved to Helena. We became good friends and often had coffee together. He was always willing to let my hiking buddies and I use his cabin up Pipe Creek. I told him it wasn’t Heaven but one could see the Pearly Gates from his porch. Go for a long hot hike in the summer and then hop in the on demand shower…nothing better. And his smile would light up any room. He is seriously missed by all. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers Andy, Pete and sister Kay.
Katherine Tomaskie says
Pete and Andy,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. He was a very Kind Gentleman. He was able to travel with his sister which he truly loved doing. He loved his boy tremendously and was very proud of your accomplishments. He made it thru Marty’s death with difficulty but when on with his life. Now he is able to be joined with Marty in heaven and will be watching over both of you. He will never be forgotten. He will be missed. My sincerely condolences to you both and Kay. I am sorry I won’t be able to attend the funeral as I am in Tucson. I will be thnking of you.
Ron Zeiler says
Sorry to hear of Jay’s passing. Jay was always willing to help out or serve on the Board of New Life Lutheran. I always enjoyed talking to Jay after church about hunting and what ever subject we picked for the day! RIP ol friend and God Bless your boys.
Jeanette Reese says
I’ve written charming stories about my cousin Jay a few times, yet it’s still hard to describe him. He was kind, caring, and funny—natural traits for a Ramlo. He was a knowledgeable outdoorsman. I could go on and on about his talents and knowledge, but what I will miss most about Jay is our relationship. He became a brother to me, and I couldn’t have asked for a better brother.
Now that we’ve lost him, it’s hard to write about the cousin who became my bother.
Love you and miss you, Jay.