Ezequiel Guillermo Ramirez Jr.

Ezequiel “Zeke” Ramirez Jr., age 77, of Grand Rapids went to be with the Lord after a brief illness. Ezequiel was born in Harlingen, TX to Berta Cortez Ramirez and Ezequiel Ramirez Sr. He was preceded in death by his parents and several siblings that died in infancy. He is survived by his long-time partner, Olivia Arizola and her family; his daughters, Ortencia Ramirez, Monica (Gerardo) Rodriguez; granddaughters, Kristen Rajski, and Alexandra Garcia; several great grandchildren; siblings, Juanita and Arnold Sanchez of San Antonio, TX, Mary Lou and Rodolfo Rosas of Brownsville, TX, Ernesto and the late Aurora Ramirez of Holland, MI, Robert and Betty Ramirez of Berwyn, IL, Joe and Diana Ramirez of Primera, TX, Ray and Martha Ramirez of Lafox, IL; many cousins, nieces and nephews all across the country who loved him and will miss his (often colorful) jokes and stories. He was everyone’s favorite “Uncle” whether they were related to him or not. Zeke never knew a stranger and had many friends. He was also involved in his community and was named the Mayor of Grandville Avenue. He would help anyone anytime he could and often volunteered to translate for immigrants. He was a lover of animals and made sure they were provided with food and shelter. His dogs, Caesar and Dora, will miss him greatly. Zeke loved to go to the casino and loved to travel. Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, August 13, 2022 at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4031 Clyde Park Avenue SW, Wyoming, with Rev. Steven Cron officiating. Relatives and friends may meet the family Saturday from 1-5 p.m. at the funeral home following the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to defray funeral expenses or local animal shelter.