Michael "Ike" Rambur, 86, Sidney, MT

Memorial services for Michael "Ike" Rambur, 86, of Sidney were at 2:00 P.M., Friday, September 4, 2015, at the Ebenezer Congregational Church in Sidney with Pastor David Meehan officiating. Inurnment was in the Sidney Cemetery, Sidney, MT under the direction of the Fulkerson-Stevenson Funeral Home of Sidney. Remembrances, condolences and pictures may be shared with the family at http://www.fulkersons.com.

Michael "Ike" Rambur was born September 22, 1928 to Michael and Barbara (Pfau) Rambur. He was the youngest of 9 children, 6 girls and 3 boys. Ike grew up together with his nephew, Bud Bouchard, in the Newlon area. You can only imagine how much mischief and trouble "those two young boys" could create. Upon finishing the 8th grade, they mounted the "Cracker Box Bus" (with no heater) to Sidney Senior High School.

During these years he also helped his brother Matt farm their Dad's farm. It was during this time Ike acquired 2 life time passions, FARMING and a brown eyed girl, EDNA. For the next 2 years, Ike and Edna were busy attending basketball games, movies, etc. Of course, he had to drive right past her place on the way to town, so it was quite convenient anyway.

On March 10, 1947, Edna and Ike were united in marriage. Ike worked with his brother, Matt, getting started farming on his own. In August their son Gordy was born. In 1950, they moved their small family 5 miles north of town to his brother-in-law, Harvey Christensen's farm. Shortly after, Debi arrived. In 1953 they outgrew the Christensen farm and moved east of town to the HOLLY SUGAR farm. It was during this time, Judy arrived.

The next 9 years Ike was busy "polishing" his farming skills and providing for his family. Somewhere during this time he also rented the Arnie Degn farm which was southeast of town. In 1959 some of the sugar beets froze in the ground unharvested. That was an ugly harvest, digging beets at night when it was frozen and delivering them during the daytime in the sloppy mud.

In 1962, Ike moved his maturing family to the Sig Andersen farm on the north edge of Sidney. In 1975, they built their first home north west of town, living there for 35 years, before moving into town. He spent the next 30 years farming and feeding sheep on this farm, and helping Gordy get started farming on his own. During this time he was awarded the Top sugar beet Grower Award several times. If you knew Ike, you could say he was what you might call a "perfectionist." He was always noted for his "perfectly straight" planted rows. Of course now they have GPS and everyone has straight rows. I'm not sure Ike liked that.

In 1991, Ike retired from farming due to back problems. After his back healed he continued his love for farming by helping Gordy and his son-in-law, Lee, farm the numerous farms. Later he spent a lot of time helping his nephew, Howard, farm his farm.

During Ike's long farming career, he served on several boards of Directors including the sugar beet Association, Bi-State Co-op, FHA, Ebenezer Church, and Farmers Elevator. He was a long time member and Governor of the Moose. Ike was past member of Sidney Country Club, Jaycees, and Ebenezer Congregational Church.

Ike and Edna purchased a place in Arizona and spent the winters there golfing, playing soft ball and pickle ball and spending time with friends. They also took part in a River Boat Cruise down the Mississippi and enjoyed snow skiing the various slopes in the area. Ike was very competitive whether it was golfing, playing pickle ball, or playing cards. The ultimate goal was "to win." Ike said he really enjoyed doing these things but he would rather farm if he had a choice.

In 2010, Ike suffered a massive stroke following heart by-pass surgery. I think what bothered him most was that ended his passionate farming career. Even at 81 years young, he still loved to farm. After a long 5 years battling his disability, on August 31, 2015, Ike graciously "moved on" to the "Glorious Big Farm in Heaven."

Ike was a loving husband, a great Dad, and loved all of his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed. We already miss him.

Leaving behind: his Loving wife of 68 years, Edna L. (Lorenz) Rambur; his son, Gordy (Margene) Rambur; his daughters, Debi (Lee) Norby, and Judy (Jerry) Foss; seven grandchildren, Michael (Amanda) Rambur, Pam (Richard) Dahl, Cory (Sarah) Foss, Kaila (Ryan) Forbes, Jennifer (Nathan) Strasheim, Travis (Natasha) Norby, and Dara Norby; nine great-grandchildren, Tessa and Torey Dahl, Lila and Alyssa Rambur, Tayden and Thaya Norby, Addison and Hazen Foss, and Gunner Forbes.

Ike has now joined his parents, Michael and Barbara, all his 6 sisters, Anna, Isabell, Mag, Mary, Rose, Viola, and his 2 brothers, Phil and Matt, in their final resting places with God.