Michael Ramirez, of Shakopee, entered eternal life on December 13, 2023, at the age of 52. He was a loving and generous man who lived a joyous life. He will be missed by so many.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 22, 2023, at 11:00 AM with a time of gathering from 9:30 to 10:45 AM at Pax Christi Catholic Community (12100 Pioneer Trail) in Eden Prairie. Father Bill Murtaugh will preside, and Michael will be laid to rest at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Eden Prairie.
On June 27, 1971, Michael was born in Queens, New York. He grew up in the Sunnyside neighborhood with his loving mother, who taught him the values of hard work and strong faith. Michael was surrounded by music and good food, which he appreciated throughout his entire life. He always maintained strong ties to his Colombian family.
At the age of 10, Michael began working as a box boy at his mother’s job. He was quickly promoted to salesman as he had a natural ability to connect with people. Because of his hard work, he was able to buy himself a boombox, which allowed him and his friends to start a breakdancing crew on the streets of Queens.
Michael attended Aviation High School, where his passion for aviation blossomed. He brought that passion to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, where he graduated with an engineering degree in 1994. His military service and education were a tremendous source of pride for Michael. He loved his country and was proud to serve.
While in college, Michael met the love of his life, Jodi DeMartelaere. They started dating sophomore year and have been inseparable ever since. They exchanged wedding vows in Detroit Lakes on October 6, 1995. They started their life together in Los Angeles, where Michael and Jodi served on active duty. Michael was proud to have worked as an Acquisitions Officer for the NAVSTAR GPS Joint Program Office, helping to install the first generation of satellites.
Michael and Jodi settled in Shakopee to raise their three wonderful sons, Tyler, Christian, and Sam. Michael was the proudest dad, present for every moment and always there for whatever his family needed. He taught his sons the values of integrity and happiness. As a family, they enjoyed sharing meals with the people they loved, hosting dance parties in the basement, and traveling. There was never a dull moment with Michael; life with him was exciting and warm.
The Ramirez family became members of Pax Christi Catholic Community in Eden Prairie. Michael’s faith was central to his life, and he cared deeply about sharing it with his family. He lived out his faith not only in church, but in his everyday life; he treated everyone with unconditional kindness.
Michael was a man of the world. He enjoyed sharing his Colombian heritage, and experiencing new countries and cultures. He felt blessed that his career sent him all around the world. Over the years, he worked in sales for the pharmaceutical, wastewater treatment, and medical device industries. He loved the amazing people he met through work, all of whom enriched his life.
In 2002, he entered the Air Force Reserves. He dedicated countless hours to empowering young people in his volunteer position as a U.S. Air Force Academy Admissions Liaison Officer in the Twin Cities area. He officially retired in 2016 after 20 years of service to our country and to his alma mater. He exemplified the virtue of service before self.
Throughout Michael’s life, God and family were the most important things to him. He loved bringing people together and was full of joy. Michael made friends wherever he went. Anyone he met quickly became family, calling them brother, sister, son, and daughter. He set a wonderful example for his family, and he will be deeply missed.
Michael will always be cherished by his loving wife, Jodi Ramirez; sons, Tyler, Christian, and Samuel Ramirez; mother, Marlene (Carlos Aguilar) Ramirez; other loving relatives and so many dear friends. Michael was greeted in heaven by all of his family and friends who have gone before him.
Memorials can be made in Michael’s honor to Folds of Honor Foundation or Prevent Cancer Foundation .
