Charlene (Ramsell) Harper

Charlene Ramsell Harper, 69, of Wayzata, MN passed away at home on July 4, 2020 after battling cancer.
Charlene was born on August 2, 1950 in Staten Island, NY to Charles and Helen Ramsell. Charlene’s
father, Charles, was a Master Sergeant in the US Army and their family of four moved around the country
and overseas for many years during her childhood before returning to New York. Charlene graduated
from West Babylon NY High School in 1968 and Syracuse University in 1972.
Charlene moved to Minnesota to pursue a career in data processing and computer programming at the
University of Minnesota Twin Cities, and later worked at the Federal Reserve Bank and Star Tribune. She
retired early to spend more time with daughters, Meredith and Shannon, volunteering on school field
trips, organizing/bringing them to one of their many sports/activities, planning birthday parties and friend
gatherings, and helping with elaborate school projects. In 2005, she obtained her insurance license to help
husband, Jim, run their newly-opened Allstate agency in Wayzata.
Charlene was very family-oriented; she adored her daughters and husband and looked forward to
spending time, celebrating holidays/birthdays and traveling with them. She loved hosting dinner parties,
boat days and BBQs at their lakeside home. She was an active member of Woodridge Church and will be
remembered for bringing a huge smile to her weekly bible study groups and volunteering in the
baby/toddler rooms.
Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Helen, and husband Jim. She is survived by
her daughters, Meredith and Shannon Harper; sister, Pamela (Bruce) Beckmann of Cameron, NC; and
many nieces and nephews.
A small family service will be held in the upcoming week. A larger celebration of life will be scheduled at
a date yet to be determined.
Contributions in her memory may be made to www.UnderstandGodsWill.com.

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