LeRoy Ratzlaff
January 26, 1928 ~ January 14, 2016
Served by: Luce, Luze & Reck Funeral Homes
View LeRoy's Tribute Video
LeRoy Ratzlaff, 87, of Highmore, passed away Thursday, January 14, 2016 at Avera St. Mary's Hospital in Pierre, surrounded by his family
Memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 23, 2016 at the Church of Christ in Highmore with Pastor Sheena Thomson officiating.
LeRoy was born January 26, 1928 to Isaac and Eva (Boese) Ratzlaff in Highmore, South Dakota. He attended Eagle Township School through the eighth grade; graduating from Highmore High School in 1946. Following graduation, he farmed with his father in Eagle Township and continued to farm the same land his father had owned until his death. LeRoy married Rena Greenberg June 15, 1955 at Elk River, Minnesota.
LeRoy was a farmer and rancher all his life. He was a member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church and then a member of Grace Bible Church. Music was his hobby, and he played the piano and led singing at the Highmore Healthcare Center for many years. Ministry to the elderly in the facility was a joy for him, and he rarely missed a Wednesday afternoon sing-along.
Survivors include his wife, Rena of Highmore; brother, Sydney; children: Patricia Muser of Pierre, Marilyn Hanson of Highmore, Beverly Reisdorff of Highmore, Lucille Vandervorst of Akaska, Yvonne Bartscher of Mitchell, Annette Sewright of Mitchell, Myron Ratzlaff of Highmore, and Victor Ratzlaff of Aberdeen; twenty-one grandchildren; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac and Eva; siblings: Willis Ratzlaff, Alvin Ratzlaff, Gilbert Ratzlaff, Florence Olson, Virginia Lang, Mary Ratzlaff, Arnold Ratzlaff, Leslie Ratzlaff, Orville Ratzlaff, and Clara Hoff Hall; and grandson, Samuel Reisdorff.
Memorials may be sent to Operation Christmas Child. LeRoy enjoyed helping pack the shoe boxes for this charity that is part of Samaritan’s Purse, providing a Christmas gift for children in third-world countries.
Thank you to Avera St. Mary’s Hospital and the staff in Pierre, South Dakota, for the excellent care and Dr. Plumage for his great care and compassion.
Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with LeRoy's arrangements.
A Memorial Service was held on January 23, 2016 at 2:00 PM at Church of Christ, 315 Iowa Ave South in Highmore, South Dakota 57345
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Praying for you all…so happy for LeRoy…he has sung about this day for a long time…now he can see it clearly…may God comfort and draw you all near in this special time.
so sorry to hear of LeRoys Passing. Prayers to the Family.
Our sympathies go out to the family. May you remember his faith and service. As a believer, I can imagine him reuniting with my parents, Lloyd and Bertha Ratzlaff, as he walks through heaven. He will enjoy seeing his siblings as well. May God be with you as you celebrate his life and find peace in the promises of Jesus for eternal. God be with you at this time.
So saddened to hear of the loss of this friend. For I counted him as one. Enjoyed chorus with him for many years. Our prayers are with you all. Cynthia Sampson
So sorry to hear of your loss. Uncle Leroy is walking with the Lord right now. What a glorious homecoming!!! Your whole family is in my prayers for comfort and peace.
To LeRoy’s family: If it were at all possible, I would be at LeRoy’s service, but it isn’t. LeRoy was one of my favorite classmates and what I often tell people about is our reunion where several of the men classmates had travelled around the world for their jobs but LeRoy knew more about the countries they had visited than they did. He was a very intelligent person, but always courteous and kind, never one to flaunt his knowledge. I admired him and am so sorry I won’t see him at another class reunion.
I watched your Dads tribute video and so many things came to mind about him…the hard working guy, family guy, faith driven guy, compassionate guy, dedicated guy. I miss him coming to the library for books, he always had a warm smile and kind words. I also noticed how many loved ones who have gone before and welcomed him into heaven. I remember the fun times coming to your farm, the church programs, the Agape House, 4-H sheep shows and sales you girls always cried. Our sympathy to you all and may the love of family and friends hold you up. Susan and Brian Bast