Max Hegsted Rammell
May 26, 1923 – March 19, 2017
From the 95th BG Memorials Foundation Facebook page:
In deep sadness, the Memorials Foundation and the Heritage Association report that Max Rammell of Rexburg, ID, left formation on 19 March 2017 at age 92. Max was a 336th tail gunner. Folded wings.
Max passed away peacefully in his native Idaho. As his obituary reads, he “was surrounded by many who love him and who were anxious for a reunion between Max and his sweet wife Denice, who passed away four months prior.
“Max was born on May 24, 1923 in Tetonia, Idaho, to Parley Samuel Rammell and Letitia Josephine Hegsted. He cherished his beloved Teton Valley and farmed potatoes, wheat, barley, and hay there with his father and brothers Leon and Merrill for many years.
“As a young man, Max desired to serve his country in WWII and joined the United States Air Force in 1944. He was first assigned to gunnery school in Las Vegas, NV, and from there he was sent to England, where he was assigned to the 95th Bomb Group as a tail gunner in the B-17 Flying Fortress. Max and his [crew] flew 35 successful missions before being honorably discharged in 1946 and returning home. Max was decorated with the Presidential Citation, 5 Oak Leaf Clusters and 3 Bronze Battle Stars during his service.
“Following WWII, Max served as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was assigned to serve in the Western States Mission.
“Max married his sweetheart Carma Denice Kunz in 1949 in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they had eight children: Jeffrey Rammell (Leanne Sant), Christina O'Brien (John Dee O'Brien), Debra Larsen (L. Bruce Larsen), James Rammell (Melanie Moulton), Matthew Rammell (Lisa Buxton), Charles Rammell (deceased) (Colleen McPherson), Rebecca Rammell (deceased), and Jason Rammell (Vicki Thueson). Once their children were raised, Max and Denice set out to serve missions for their church. They served faithfully in Hawaii, Washington, D.C. (Temple), Palmyra, NY, and Salt Lake City Temple Square. Max and Denice were also blessed with 33 grandchildren and 87 great-grandchildren.
Max suffered at the death of his sweet Denice in November 2016. He talked often of his loneliness for her and his heart's desire to be with her. He also spoke of his love for his brothers and sisters and their spouses. He was truly anticipating a joyous reunion with the gang. The only surviving member of the Parley and Letitia Rammell Family is Roberta Bird Rammell, wife of Max's brother Merrill.
“We love you, Dad. See you soon. . . . Condolences may be sent online to the family at www.flammfh.com.”
Max and the John Gross crew on which he flew are the subjects of Jim Koehn’s and Mark Werkema’s memorable documentary “Wings of a Mighty Fortress” (2013). John Gross passed away on 2 March 2017 at age 95, leaving Max as the sole remaining member of the “Easy Goin’” crew that flew from Horham in 1944-’45. The crew is now reunited for eternity.