Ratzlaff, Simon (1898-1974)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 1974 May 31 p. 31

Birth date: 1898 April 17

text of obituary:

SIMON RATZLAFF

Simon Ratzlaff was born on April 22, 1898 in Durham County, Kansas to Agnita and Gerhard Ratzlaff. He moved with his familv to Sunnyslope, Alta. in 1906 where they subsequently homesteaded. In 1926 he married Margaret Loewen, and they set up housekeeping on the family homestead which he acquired in the years that followed. Their union was blessed with six children, one of whom died at age two and a half years.

He lived on the farm until 1966 when he retired to the village of Linden, Alta. On April 17 he passed away as a result of cancer.

He will be missed greatly by his loving wife Margaret; his children: Wesley and Mary Ratzlaff, Drayton Valley, Alta.; Lloyd and Ruth Ratzlaff, on the family farm near Linden; Victor and Lorraine Ratzlaff, Red Deer, Alta.; Ted and Sylvia Regehr, Saskatoon; and Phyllis Ratzlaff, Toronto. He also leaves to mourn his passing two brothers, Sam and Reuben; two sisters, Ida Megli and Rebecca Schartner: l8 grandchildren, as well as many relatives and friends.

He was introduced to the teachings of the Christian faith by deeply religious parents, and he responded by accepting Christ as his Redeemer at an early age. He struggled to make the teachings of the Bible an integral part of his life, often gaining important deeper insights and a stronger spiritual faith as a result of these struggles. He was able to accept the ebb and flow of life, and especially in later life, to entrust himself to God. His example was an inspiration to many, but particularly to members of his family.