Mervin Leo Ransdell, 78, of Otterville, died Monday, March 28, 2005, at his
home.
He was born April 5, 1926, in Jefferson City, a son of Richard and Lottie Bonney
Ransdell. He was raised by Otto and May Bonney in Syracuse. On April 26, 1952, in McCloud, Calif., he was married to Jean Musslin, who survives of the home.
Mr. Ransdell attended Syracuse High School. Sixty years ago, on April 1, 1945,
as a eighteen year-old U.S. Marine rifleman with the 22nd Marine Regiment, 6th Marine Division, Mervin participated in the invasion and ensuing battle for the island of Okinawa. A kind, generous and gentle man, he was truly a member of America’s “greatest generation.” Following his service in the Marines, he also worked for the Forest Service and the logging industry in Northern California. He was a retired carpenter and cabinet maker, having designed St. Joseph Church in Clifton City, building its altar and sanctuary, as well as crafting the lectern and altar at Sacred Heart Church. He was an avid reader, crossword puzzle master, fisherman and Civil War historian.
Also surviving are two sons, Jeff Ransdell, and his wife, Vaunda, of Otterville,
and Jim Ransdell, and his wife, Bonnie, of Red Lodge, Montana; two daughters,
Rebecca L’Hirondelle, and her husband, Curtis, of Sedalia, and Bonnie Diefendorf, and her husband, Larry, of Smithton; a brother, Nolan Ransdell, and a sister, Marge Nobles, both of the State of California; eight grandchildren, Brennan Ransdell, Ryan Mullins, Jeff Ransdell, Jr., Veronica Ransdell, Ty Ransdell, Anna Ransdell, Nathan Diefendorf and Jeanenne Diefendorf; and two great grandchildren. He was predeceased by a granddaughter, Meredith Diefendorf.
A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Church in
Clifton City, with the Rev. Vincent Hoying and the Rev. Tom Seifner officiating.
The rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the church.
Burial will be held at a later date.
The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Joseph Church.
