Perry Ratzloff

Perry Lloyd Ratzloff was born on July 21, 1928 to Peter H. and Adina (Smith) Ratzloff in Moundridge, KS. He was the first born of five children. 

With his family by his side, Dad went to be with his Lord on December 31, 2018 while he was in the CT ICU at ViaChristi St Francis in Wichita, KS at the age of 90 years. Death was caused by complications from sepsis. 

Dad’s first home was in Moundridge, KS. In 1931 the family moved to Canton, KS. In 1932 they moved to Perico, TX but only stayed one year due to hard times and severe dust storms. Coming back to Kansas, they lived at Canton and Roxbury, then moved to Cedar Point in 1939 and then to Burns in 1946 where they farmed and did carpentry. 

Dad’s most precious memories of his boyhood years were in 1939 when they moved to the rural area five miles SE of Cedar Point, KS. Although they only resided there for seven years, Dad shared many stories of the love he had on the farm during that time of his life. In 1940, at age 12, Dad and his brother, grandpa and great-grandpa, used old lumber and built a barn on the property which still stands today and is in limited use for farm storage. The barn is an impressive remembrance for many of us. 

On June 13, 1950 in El Dorado, KS, Dad was united in marriage to our Mother, Irene A Ducommun, sharing life’s joys, challenges and sorrows for the next 61 years, 7 months. To this union, nine children were born. The ninth child passed away after only 40 tender hours of life. On October 11, 2011 our dear Mother lost her battle with colon cancer, leaving Dad very lonely. 

On March 13, 1983 Dad and Mother renewed their vows with the Lord and were reconsecrated into the Alexanderfeld Mennonite Church in Hillsboro, KS. Dad’s faith was very precious to him and he lived life as a sincere and faithful Christian. He deeply appreciated the renewed fellowship of his people. 

Dad enjoyed working as a carpenter and painter for many years of his life. He worked in Marion at Hallett Construction for several years, then went back to painting. The last 10 years he had been a part time employee with the City of Marion, inspecting loads at the tree burn site. He loved his work there and the visits with his customers. He always had a special connection with Marion and its people. In June of 2006, Dad and Mother moved from Marion to Hillsboro, KS to be near family and their church. 

On Dad’s 80th birthday in 2008, along with Mother, we took Dad on a one day road trip down memory lane to visit the special homestead at Cedar Point and the surrounding area. He spoke of the outing often with great excitement. He treasured that day with tears of joy. We as a family treasure it also. 

We remember Dad as one who enjoyed working around the place, taking an interest in gardening, flowers, yard work and being out of doors. He enjoyed the simple things in life - his dog, all of nature and birds. He also enjoyed children and the children of the church school. 

Dad loved to read the Bible and found special inspiration in the Psalms. His commitment to God and the church was evident. The church family was very precious to him. Dad emphasized how important it is to be ready to meet the Lord. We are glad the parting is not forever. We plan to meet Dad and Mother on the other side. 

Those left to cherish his memory are his seven children: Lloyd & Debbie Ratzloff of Lehigh, KS; Colleen Loyles of Halstead, KS; Marlys & Tom Plett of Hillsboro, KS; Curtis Ratzloff of Marion, KS; D’Elda & Vaughn Juhnke of Moundridge, KS; Victor Ratzloff & Margo Yates of Marion, KS; and Trudy & Lindley Slifer of Marion, KS; his sister, Loreen Ratzloff of Newton, KS; 19 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. 

His wife, Irene; son, Stuart; one brother, two sisters and one infant son, Wally Gene, preceded him in death.