Augustine "Augie" Ramirez

Augustine “Augie” Melendrez Ramirez, 96, of Topeka, passed away peacefully at his home after an extended illness on January 4, 2011.

 He was born on August 28, 1914 in Leon, Mexico the son of Zeferino Ramirez and Ignacia (Melendrez) Ramirez.  Augie immigrated to the United States as a child, eventually settling in Topeka. 

 He worked at Morrell’s Meat Packing Co. and as a City of Topeka bus driver.  In 1964 he started his own business, Augie’s Janitorial Service working many years to make it successful.  He continued working part time until the age of 94 

He earned his GED at the age of 79 and became a U.S. Citizen in 1994. 

 Augie was a very dedicated and devoted member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.  He was an active volunteer at the church and worked hard to continually raise money to support its causes.  Augie started the Parish Bingo Program and also started the church stand at the local farmer’s market.  He was a founding member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and sold the “Sunday Visitor” after masses for many years to help raise money for the organization.  Augie served as chairman for the Fiesta Mexicana for two years during the 1970’s.

 He was a member of Knights of Columbus Nate Morales Council #11777 and the James W. Gibbons Assembly of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus.   

Augie was an avid Kansas State University fan, attending many sporting events with his family.  He also enjoyed crafting, and gardening (especially roses).

He married Mary “Jessie” Ramirez on April 20, 1940 in Chanute, Kansas and they recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.  She survives.  He is also survived by his children, Katherine Saenz of Bellevue, NE, Rose Lara, Robert (Cheryl) Ramirez and Marti Gonzales all of Topeka, fourteen grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

 He was preceded in death by two granddaughters, Angela Marie and Elizabeth “Lisa” Saenz, and all his siblings including Joe Espirion Ramirez and Maria Refugia Ramirez who were Topeka residents.

 Augie will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Friday after 2:00 p.m.where a Parish Vigil will be at 6:00 p.m. and a Third and Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Rosary and Chalice Ceremony at 6:30 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.  Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas  66603.

 Online condolences to www.brennanmathenafh.com.