Pablo A. Ramirez, Jr.

Pablo A. Ramirez Jr. (Papa) born July 5th, 1946, in Cotulla TX to Pablo O. Ramirez Sr. & Mercedes Anchondo, passed away in the loving arms of his wife, daughter, and grandson on August 30th, 2021 in Yukon OK.

Pablo’s zest for life was infectious, always the life of the party. A man, that through his actions and words, showed the world what it truly is to be a man of character, integrity, and love. It’s a wonder this world could contain the size of his heart. His ongoing sense of humor was a joy to all, and he loved to play the part of whatever personality he was mistaken for ie: Jim Plunkett, King Kamehameha, and even Dallas Cowboy Renee Ramirez, often taking pictures or giving autographs just for kicks and giggles. He had a passion for good food, Tejano music (his gold), dancing, and watching movies, but his greatest joy in life was his family.

In 1968, Pablo began his career at Western Publishing Company (Golden Books) in Racine, WI as a pressman and remained there for over 25 years, where he also served as secretary-treasurer for GCIU Local 254M, later becoming president for 4 years. He retired in 1994 after having both his knees replaced. On August 27th, 1975, he married Patricia Yocco the love of his life who he met while working at Western Publishing. Pat would joke he was the fringe benefit that Western didn’t tell her about. Together they shared 47 years of marriage. To his family he was everything, especially the kids, whom he loved dearly because inside that big man, was a big kid himself. He would delight in storytelling especially about how he kept his alligators in Lake Michigan, getting a kick out of watching the wide-eyed nieces and nephews cling to his every word. In his earlier years, his love of sports led him to coach the Racine Bible Basketball team, leading them to several championships. He also coached inner city little league baseball and his daughter’s 8th grade softball team.

Pablo is survived by his loving wife and best friend Pat, his daughter Charity (Bekim) Bektesi of Greenfield WI , son Raul (Olivia) Ramirez of Racine WI,

8 grandchildren: Andrew (Elyssa) Harrison of Watonga OK, Hayley (Cord) Bailey of Racine WI, Aminah Bektesi of Milwaukee WI, Ibrahim, Ismail, & Yusuf Bektesi of Greenfield WI, Aliah & Emily Ramirez of Racine WI

5 great grandchildren: Grace & Chet Bailey, Bentley Melton, Caydence & Dimyra Harrison. He is further survived by brother-in-laws Raymond Yocco & John Yocco of Racine WI, sisters-in-laws Debi Massegee of Owasso OK, Carrie (Rick) Compton of Watonga OK, & Judy Yocco of Phoenix AZ . In addition he is survived by a brother Robert (Mercedes) Ramirez of Pearsall TX, sister Hilda Benavidez of Cotulla TX, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Maria Zamora & Emma Ramirez, his father and mother-in-law Albert & Mary Yocco, sister-in-law Joan Yocco Veon, Brothers in Law Rodney Pierce and Jerry Massegee and a niece Joy Yocco.

A celebration of Pablo’s life will be held on Monday September 6th at 10:30am at Wilkinson Mortuary, Watonga, OK. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hanan Refugee Relief Group 7388 S 51st St, Franklin, WI 53132 https://hananrrg.org/index.php/milwaukee-chapter/ , Kindred Kitties https://www.kindredkitties.org/giving/donate-today/general-operations-fund/, or one’s favorite charity.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28