Ratzlaff, Henry B. (1871-1943)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1943 Jun 24 p. 3

Birth date: 1871 Mar 11

text of obituary:

HENRY B. RATZLAFF

Henry B. Ratzlaff was born on March 11, 1871, in Poland, Russia, passed away June 2, 1943, at his home near Montezuma, Kansas, at the age of 72 years, 2 months and 20 days. In 1881 he, with his mother, emigrated to America, settling in Harvey county, near Halstead, Kansas. He lost his father in his younger years and was not blessed with the privilege of enjoying his growing age at home with father and mother, but was compelled to work and help earn a livelihood for mother and children.

When grown to manhood he joined hands with Sarah Schmidt in holy matrimony, sharing joys and sorrows for over 48 years.

After marriage they located in Marion county, Kansas. They sought to establish a home in different communities, and in 1926 they moved to Gray County where he resided until death. To this union 9 children were born: Mrs. Ida Yost, Montezuma; Mrs. Eva Koehn, Cimarron; Willie Ratzlaff, Montezuma; Walter Ratzlaff, Larned; Mrs. Anna Loucks, Ingalls; and Mrs. Elma Wedel, McPherson. Three children preceded him in death.

Brother Ratzlaff was very industrious, and provided well for his family. He was also very sociable, making friends of those with whom he came in contact.

He suffered with heart complications for some time, and lastly with a paralytic stroke which cause his death.

Brother Ratzlaff felt his lost condition in his younger years. He sought his Saviour, finding grace and forgiveness, was baptized in the spring of 1894 and added in the Church of God in Christ (Mennonite) of which he remained a member unto death. He quietly passed to the great beyond, leaving his deeply bereft companion, 2 sons, 3 daughters, 2 brothers, 1 sister, 24 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, a host of relatives and friends to mourn his departure. We mourn not as those who have no hope, but believe he is safe in the Arms of Jesus.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon, June 6, in the Montezuma Mennonite Church led by Rev. David J. Koehn and by Rev. Albert Unruh. Burial was in the church cemetery.