Ratzlaff, Peter J. (1895-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Mar 21 p. 2

Birth date: 1895 Jan 8

text of obituary:

RETIRED FARMER DIES AT SALE

Marion, S. D. — A heart attack suffered while attending the community auction sale at Freeman proved fatal to Peter J. Ratzlaff, 62, well-known retired farmer. Funeral services were held March 12 at the M. B. church near here, Rev. Eldo Ratzlaff in charge.

A lifelong resident of the Freeman community, Mr. Ratzlaff had retired from the farm in 1956. He leaves his wife, three children and three grandchildren.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Apr 4 p. 8

text of obituary:

PETER J. RATZLAFF

Peter J. Ratzlaff, our beloved husband and father, was born January 8, 1895, on the farm five miles north of Freeman. Here we D. He was the son of John and Elizabeth (Buller) Ratzlaff. It pleased the Lord to take him from us suddenly through a heart attack March 9, 1957, at 2 p.m. He reached the age of 62 years, two months and one day. Death came unexpectedly while he was walking home from a community sale only a block away.

On Feb. 17, 1923, he was joined in holy matrimony with Martha Ratzlaff (nee Unruh). We established our home on a farm four miles orth [sic] of Freeman. Here we lived for three years and then built our present farm two miles north of Freeman. This was our home until May of 1956, when we bought a house in town and retired from the farm. He loved to work and still enjoyed to be out on the farm.

His life was not a bed of roses. Many have been the struggles and hardships. Four times he was seriously ill, but the Lord always spared him. He loved his family dearly and spared no effort to make live enjoyable for them. His grandchildren were also a great joy to him and he found much happiness in their company. On June 21, 1951, his son Melvin passed away, causing him great sorrow.

While Rev. H. D. Wiebe was conducting revival meetings, our husband and father realized his lost condition and was saved. On Sept. 19, 1920, he was baptized by Rev. Peter Fast and received as a member into the Mennonite Brethren Church. He loved to serve the Lord. He served as usher in the church for a number of years. At the time of his death he was also treasurer of the Salem Home for the Aged, which position he acquired since the home was founded. He enjoyed this work and tried to do it joyfully and carefully as unto the Lord.

Our home was blest with four children, Melvin (deceased), Lillian (Mrs. Albert Anderson) of Sioux Falls, Frances (Mrs. Raymond Becker) of Freeman, and Donald at home. We shared lifes joys and sorrows 34 years and 22 days. He leaves to mourn his sudden departure his deeply bereaved wife, two daughters, two sons-in-law, one son and three grandchildren, Randy, David and Coleen; two brothers, Henry of Dolton and Ben of Freeman; three sisters, Kathryn of Sioux Falls, Anna (Mrs. Alex Deckert) of Marion, Ella (Mrs. Jake Fast) of Freeman; five brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law, relatives and friends. His parents, one son, two brothers and one sister preceded him in death.

The sorrow and loss seem unbearable, but we trust the Lord will see us through and give us strength to bear our cross. We hope to see him again.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon, March 12 at the Mennonite Brethren church, Marion, S.D., with Rev. Eldo Ratzlaff officiating. — Mrs. Ratzlaff and Family.