Ratzlaff, Jakob A. (1888-1945)

Christlicher Bundesbote obituary: 1945 May 22 p. 14

Birth date: 1888 Feb 11

text of obituary:

Jakob A. Ratzlaff, Sohn von Heinrich und Elisabeth Buller Ratzlaff, ward am 11. Febr. 1888 nahe Burrton, Kans. geboren und kam 1894 mit Eltern nach Corn, Okla. Da er in Kansas auf Arbeit war, nahm er den Heiland an und ward am 6. Juni 1909 von Aelt. Abr. Ratzlaff getauft und ward und blieb Glied der Bergtal Gemeinde bei Corn, wo er stets aktiv war, und seinen gewohnten Platz einnahm, und auch S. S. Superintendent war. Am 12. Juni 1919 heiratete er Anna Bärgen und es wurden ihnen 2 Knaben und 3 Mädchen geboren. Am 29. Nov. 1941 starb seine Gattin. Sonst ziemlich gesund, aber manchmal mit Arthritis geplagt, lebte er nun meist für die Kinder. Am 9. April morgens hatte er erst Schmerzen in der Schulter, dann in der Brust und schon um 9. Uhr stand das Herz still. Er wurde 57 J. 1 M. und 29 Tage alt. Es trauern um ihn die Kinder: Leonard, im Dienst, Miami, Fla.; Hilda zu Clinton, Okla.; Elva, Ervin und Wilma daheim, dazu ein Schwiegertochter, 2 Schwestern und 2 Brüder und viele Freunde. Er liebte die Gemeinschaft der Kinder Gottes und schied in der Hoffnung eines selgen Wiedersehens.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1945 May 3 p. 3

text of obituary:

JACOB A. RATZLAFF

Jacob A. Ratzlaff, son of Henry and Elizabeth (Buller) Ratzlaff, was born February 11, 1888, near Burrton, Kansas. When he was a lad of six years in 1894 his parents migrated to Oklahoma, where they settled on a farm near Corn.

Here he spent his youth, attending the Corn Valley school. while working in Kansas he was baptized upon confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour from sin by Elder Abraham Ratzlaff on June 6, 1909. Later, when he returned to Oklahoma, he joined the Bergthal church near Corn. Here he remained a faithful member till his death.

He was at all times active in the church, being a member of the prayer meeting group. He was usually in his place, not only a good listener but also often an active participant in the Bible discussion. He was Sunday school superintendent for a number of years, and as a Sunday School pupil he was not lax in doing his part during the discussion of the lesson.

In June 12, 1919, he was united in marriage with Anna Bergen. This union was blessed with five children, two boys and three girls which are all living and mourn the death of their father. A great sorrow came into the life of our departed brother when on Novebmer29, 1941, his beloved wife was taken from him to precede him into eternity. With the death of his helpmate most of the joy in his life passed away. he often said, "I'm living only for my children." And he proved it by the loving care with which eh carried his children an [sic] praying hands.

Though often bothered with arthritis, he seemed in good health and in good spirits, though the loss he had sustained when Mother was laid to rest was ever with him. On Monday morning, April 9, at about 8:00 o'clock he complained of pain in his arms. This pain seemed to increase, going over his shoulder toward his chest. A few minutes later he remarked that he felt very ill, and short time later, at 9:00 o'clock, his heart had stopped and his soul was at home with God. He reached the age of 57 years, one month and 29 days.

He leaves to mourn his sudden death his five children, Leonard, in the service of our country at Mariana, Florida; Hilda of Clinton; Elva who is keeping house and Ervin and Wilma who are attending the Corn school; one daughter-in-law, two brothers, and two sisters. Two brothers and one sister preceded him into eternity.

The memory of Jake, as we loved to call him, will ever stay with us. He loved the communion of saints and he loved to be in the House of the Lord. His faith here, now is reality there. We shall miss his sympathetic attention as well as his wise counsel.

Our great hope is that we shall see him again when he will come with the Lord and all the saints on the great Resurrection day.

The Mennonite obituary: 1945 May 29 p. 12