Ratzlaff, David F. (1871-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 May 30 p. 8

Birth date: 1871 Mar 9

text of obituary:

REV. DAVID F. RATZLAFF

Rev. David F. Ratzlaff of Reedley, Calif., son of Henry and Anna Welms [sic Wilms] Ratzlaff, was born in Poland March 9, 1871. He passed away in the Reedley Hospital May 14, 1957, to be with his heavenly Father whom he worshipped and served through Jesus Christ. He attained the age of 86 years.

In 1873 he came with his parents to America. They lived at Detroit and Lansing, Mich. and Yankton, S.D. before moving to Hillsboro, Kansas.

In 1889 he was baptized upon his confession of faith in Jesus Christ as his Saviour at Hillsboro, Kansas by Rev. J. B. Baer, the traveling minister,and was received as a member in the Johannesthal Mennonite church.

On March 30, 1894, he was married to Mary Schroeder at Hillsboro, Kansas, Rev. John Gerbrandt officiating. Four years later they moved to Fairview, Okla. and continued farming for their livelihood. They joined the Orienta Mennonite Church and were active in the church.

In 1900 he was elected as an evangelist in the church and [two years later was ordained into the ministry by the Rev. William Ewert.] [sic original text: Ewert. He served as a lay minister two years later and was ordained into the ministry by the Rev. William wert.] He served as a lay minister until 1913 when they moved to Red Bluffs, Calif. Here he continued to be active in the church, serving as a supply minister on call.

In order to allow their children to have a good church life, they felt led to move to Reedley, in 1917 and became members of the First Mennonite Church. Here he again served as supply minister on call, and as deacon, custodian and wherever he was asked to serve.

He was a good father and husband. His heart was for the family and the church.

In April of 1954 they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Although he was weak in health the last years, he was always able to attend church. He last attended services on May 5, but that night he was taken to the hospital because of the kidney ailment which also caused his death.

He leaves to remember his fruitful life: his wife Mary; one son David, Bakersfield, Calif.; two daughters, Elva, Mrs. John Klassen, Parlier, Calif. and Maryanna, Mrs. Homer Ford, Woodland hills, Calif.; six grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Bena Plenert of Hillsboro, Kansas and Mrs. Mary Janzen, Anaheim, Calif. and a host of other relatives and friends. Nine children died in infancy.

"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." Rev. 22:14.

Funeral services were held at the First Mennonite Church of Reedley. Rev. Aaron J. Epp,the pastor, officiated and used Rev. 14:13 as a text. A trio comprised of Ms. Aaron J. Epp, Mrs. Paul Ruth and Mrs. Alvin Friesen sang "O Have You Not Heard of That Beautiful Stream." "O Heart of God" and "Jesus While Living, Jesus While Dying." Mrs. Arthur Krehbiel served as organist.

The Mennonite obituary: 1957 Jun 4 p. 367