Edmund Peter Staff III

Edmund Peter Staff III, 69, better known as Pete, formerly of Ramsey, Illinois, died at Heritage Health Care in Pana, Illinois on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, 2020, after a long illness.  Heritage Health Care had been his home since 2008, and Pete knew most staff members and residents by name.  Pete was proud to serve as the President of the Resident Council there, and was the ring-leader of the Scrabble Club, that met nightly after supper.  Pete loved a good game of pinochle or scrabble, or to make a friendly wager on a ballgame with family.

Private family services will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday December 18, 2020 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ramsey, Illinois, with Rev. Fr. Scott Snider officiating and Pastor Harry Kirk assisting at the Cemetery. Public Graveside services will follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Ramsey, Illinois.  Covid Restriction with social distancing and masks are required.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Caring and Sharing c/o FNB Community Bank, Ramsey, Illinois, and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ramsey, Illinois.

Miller Funeral Home, Ramsey, Illinois is in charge of arrangements. Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.millerfh.net

Pete grew up in Ramsey, IL. He was born April 19, 1951, the first son of E.P. and Margaret Staff. In younger years, Pete’s chore was to milk the family cow, Francis.  Later on, he worked at Shangri-La golf course, the family business.  He mowed the greens with a push mower!  He graduated from Ramsey High School, where he especially enjoyed French class and chorus.  He was manager for the Rams basketball team, and often sang the Star Spangled Banner, at home games.  He enjoyed being in school plays and showing off his literary skills by reciting Casey at the Bat, by Eugene Fields, and See’n Things… many years after he graduated.  He was a graduate of Lake Land College.

Pete was a true servant of the Lord, and often attended daily mass growing up, and singing O, Holy Night at midnight mass became a tradition.  He was well versed in Latin refrains at mass.  He loved to share his love for the Lord whether in prayer or song.  Pete was blessed with musical talent.

His true love was playing Santa Clause during the Christmas season.  He was Santa at schools, churches, the Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, and he often made stops at homes that requested a “Santa visit”!!  Pete loved spreading cheer to all!  He never was short on candy-canes or gum to share with kids, or customers at the grocery stores he worked at in the Vandalia-Ramsey-Pana areas.

Pete never knew a stranger.  He always greeted one with a robust “hello”, a “ho-ho-ho” or a “high-five”.  He loved people, and people loved him.  He was a humble man, with many friends. Young and Old.  He had the kindest heart, and was the most unselfish person.  He endured a lot over the past several years, yet never complained.  Always thinking of others first.  This special Santa will truly be missed.

Pete is survived by his brothers and sisters: Margaret Jones, Ramsey, Illinois; Janet Nuzback & Leonard, Mahomet, Illinois; Mary Hayes, Concord, North Carolina; Deborah Smith & Ron, Nashville, Indiana; Loy Staff & Cheryl, Ramsey, Illinois; John Staff & Jill, Walton Kentucky; Sylvia Thull & Joe, Pana, Illinois; 22 nephews and nieces and several greats.

He was preceded in death by his parents: E.P. and Margaret Staff, Brother-in-Laws: Donald Jones, Frank Hayes and Mitch Kraynak.

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