Ratzlaff, Bernhard M. (1888-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1958 Jan 9 p. 8

Birth date: 1888 Feb 17

text of obituary:

BERNHARD M RATZLAFF

Bernhard M. Ratzlaff, son of Bernhard and Maria Ratzlaff, nee Hiebert, was born Feb. 17, 1888, on a farm south of Bradshaw, Neb. Here he grew to manhood.

On May 29, 1910, upon his confession of faith he was baptized by Elder H. H. Regier and accepted into the Bethesda Mennonite Church in Henderson where he remained a faithful member until his death.

On Oct. 14, 1914,he was happily married to Tiena [sic Tina] E. Buller of Medford, Okla. To this union were born three sons: Edward B., Erwin E., and Harry D. This marriage lasted 43 years and 16 days. He loved his family and provided for them as best he could. On Monday, Oct. 14 we were privileged to celebrate our forty-third wedding anniversary with the family and grandchildren.

During the first 13 years of married life he farmed. In 1928 he gave up farming and moved to Henderson where he went into the trucking business. In 1931 we opened a shoe repair shop which we operated until 1946 when he took up the carpenter trade. He enjoyed whatever he undertook and was happy in it until ill health forced his retirement.

He was an active person and a hard worker. Therefore he found it difficult to give up his work. He wished to stay with his family but was resigned to the Lord's will. He was ill two years and eight months, his health gradually failing due to leukemia. On October 30, 1957, at 9:00 p. m. he passed away at the Community Hospital in Henderson, Neb.

He is survived by his wife, Tiena [sic Tina] E., three sons, and three daughters-in-law; seven grandchildren; six sisters, Mrs. Lena Kilppenstein [sic Klippenstein], Dallas, Oregon, Mrs. Agnes Beier, Henderson, Mrs. Maria Friesen, Henderson, Mrs. Justina Peters, York, Mrs. Katharina Rempel, Longmont, Colo., and Mrs. Agatha Kliewer, Henderson; four brothers, Peter M. and John B. of Henderson, Henry B. and David M. of Bradshaw; a number of nieces and nephews, also a host of relatives and friends.

We will miss him, but we are glad he could answer the call of his Lord to come and be with Him. Now he lives anew in the realms beyond.

The Mennonite obituary: 1958 Feb 4 p. 77