Ratzlaff, John H. (1883-1963)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1963 Apr 25 p. 5

Birth date: 1883 Aug 21

text of obituary:

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• Funeral services for John H. Ratzlaff, 79, retired farmer of Moundridge, were held Saturday forenoon at the Lone Tree Mennonite Church near Galva. Rev. Jonas B. Koehn and Rev. Arverd Wiggers officiated. Mr. Ratzlaff died Tuesday, April 16, at Mercy Hospital in Moundridge after a long illness. He farmed in Harvey County most of his life, moving to Moundridge ten years ago. Survivors include his widow, the former Ella Unruh, four brothers and eight sisters, all living in Kansas. A brother, Aaron Ratzlaff, resides in Newton.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1963 May 23 p. 8

text of obituary:

JOHN H. RATZLAFF

John H. Ratzlaff, son of Henry A. and Helena Ratzlaff, was born on Aug. 21, 1883 near Moundridge, Kan. and passed away in Mercy Hospital, Moundridge, on April 16, 1963, reaching the age of 79 years, seven months, and 25 days. Death was caused by a heart attack with complications.

John grew to manhood in the Galva-Moundridge community, living on a farm all his life except for the last ten years when he lived in Moundridge.

At the age of 22 years he was converted and accepted Christ as his personal Savior, and was baptized upon confession of faith, becoming a member of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite on Sept. 17,1905. He remained faithful to his vow unto the end.

In 1906 he was joined in marriage to Martha Unruh with whom he shared life's joys for only four years. In 1911 he was united in marriage to Ella Unruh with whom he lived until his death, sharing joys and sorrows for 52 years.

John was a faithful and loving companion. He found great interest in the study and discussion of God's Word. He was a great lover of singing and enjoyed attending church services. All who knew him found him to be tenderhearted and wanting to make his wrongs right. This was especially true in the last years of his life when he often spoke of his readiness to leave this world. It is with full assurance in our hearts that we can say that he left us for a better home.

John enjoyed reasonably good health until about five years ago. The last two years he was bedfast. On April 14, Easter Sunday, he was stricken by a heart attack after which he was unconscious until the end.

He leaves to mourn his sorrowing companion, four brothers, Henry of Moundridge, Aaron of Newton, and David and Milferd, both of Canton, and eight sisters, Mrs. John A. Becker of Canton, Mrs. Enoch Buller of Montezuma, Mrs. David C. Koehn, Mrs. Tobe C. Koehn and Mrs. Harvey Unruh, all of Galva, Mrs. Dan L. Koehn of Halstead, Mrs. Dan S. Jantz of Whitewater, and Mrs. Nathan Koehn of Burns. His father, mother, step-mother, four brothers and five sisters preceded him in death.