Richard Ratzlaff (1923 - 2020)
Obituary
RICHARD RATZLAFF – South Hutchinson, KS
Richard Ratzlaff, 96, of Hutchinson, died April 19, 2020, at
Hospice House, in Hutchinson.
He was born June 9, 1923, to Dan and Anna (Graber) Ratzlaff,
in Pretty Prairie.
He grew up on a farm and spent his first eight years at Sam
Hill Grade School. He graduated from Castleton High School in 1941 and from
Bethel College, North Newton, in 1948. Richard and Velma Schwartz were married
in 1948, in Pretty Prairie.
Rich completed his seminary studies at Mennonite Biblical
Seminary in Chicago, in 1953. He was a pastor in Mennonite churches his entire
life. Churches pastored were at Deer Creek, OK, Chicago, IL, Holland, PA,
Liberal, and Hutchinson. Interim pastoring included Halstead, Inman and
Wichita. He and Velma spent 4 years as co-director at Camp Mennoscah , Murdock.
Rich retired in 1988 and spent 25 years enjoying country living near Lake
Cheney.
Rich spent many years volunteering at TTV-ETC shop in
Hutchinson, being a founding member of the store's organization. He was an active
Civitan member.
His hobbies included reading, fishing, golfing, leather
tooling, wood carving and photography.
In 2014, Rich and Velma moved to Mennonite Friendship
Communities in South Hutchinson, where he spent his last 5 ½ enjoyable years.
Survivors are: wife, Velma; sons, Tim of Newton, Tom
(Donna), Newton; grandchildren, Jen (Cody)Buchanan, Denver, CO, Brian Ratzlaff,
Lawrence; great-grandchildren, Dylan and Julian Buchanan; brother, Marlan
(Marvella), Moundridge.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers,
Floyd and Milford (Patricia).
Memorial services will be at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Mennonite
Church, 52 Rambler Rd., or Mennonite Friendship Community, 600 W. Blanchard,
South Hutchinson, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS
67501.
1923 - 2020 (96 years)