Ratzlaff, Donald A. (1934-1951)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1951 May 17 p. 8

Birth date: 1934 Aug 17

text of obituary:

DONALD A. RATZLAFF

Donald A. Ratzlaff, son of Albert and Florence Kane Ratzlaff was born August 17, 1934, near Orienta, Oklahoma, and passed away in an Enid hospital February 22, 1951, at the age of 16 years six months, and five days.

Upon confession of his faith in Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour, he was baptized on September 25, 11949, [sic 1949] by Rev. H. P. Fast and received into the Saron Mennonite church of Orienta.

He received his elementary training in the Orienta school and attended the Oklahoma Bible academy and Fairview high school where he was a Junior. Donald was active in sport affairs.

It seems that sunshine and shadow often intermingled his life. When only five months old a safety pin became lodged in his throat and his parents despaired of his life, but as we cried to the Lord for help, He heard our prayer and gave back to us our tiny son.

Early in childhood he loved to hear Bible stories and later read many for himself. One of his favorite magazines was the “Gospel Herald.”

We recall an outstanding evening in his early childhood when he felt the need of a Saviour. The story of Daniel had been read, he had been tucked into bed for the night, but not to sleep it seemed for later he called and we found him crying and saying: "I want to be like Daniel, I too want the Lord in my Heart!”

He has had a number of narrow escapes and experiences and had been a diabetic since 11 years old which brought to him different complications and discouragements.

On December 30, 1950, Donald was a pessenger [sic] in the family car, when it skidded on the icy pavement and overturned. Our Heavenly Father held his protecting hand over us and shielded our lives — only Donald was retained in the hospital for several days. But from this day on, his health was impaired.

Again on February 10, 1951, he was in a second car accident and was thought not to be hurt much, but nevertheless it left a deep impression and he took a definite stand of gratitude and love toward His Saviour. Each day he thanked Him for saving his life and His goodness toward him. He also asked for guidance and grace for a closer walk with Him.

The morning devotions of February 21 in which a heart-searching prayer, from Donald's own lips, went up to the Heavenly father will long live in our memories and comfort us. Donald asked his Saviour to take all sin from his heart and life and for grace and strength to live close to Him through the day.

Later Donald took the bus to school and became very ill around one o'clock and was rushed to an Enid hospital where he was lovingly cared for until the breaking of a new day. Then his soul fled to a higher Realm.

His early passing leaves in loneliness his much bereaved parents and four brothers of the home; Arlin, Gary, Dennis and Terry; also his aged grandfather P. S. Kane and his grandmother, Mrs. Adam Ratzlaff. He leaves a large circle of uncles, aunts, cousins at many friends to mourn his passing.

“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” Psalms 147: 3.