Elroy Ratzlaff

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Elroy Ratzlaff, 63, of Highmore, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at his home.

Funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, November 7, 2016 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Highmore with Pastor Sheena Thomson officiating. Burial followed at the Highmore Cemetery. Visitation was held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Sunday, November 6, 2016 with a 3:00 p.m. prayer service, all at Luze Funeral Home, Highmore.

On July 20, 1953, Elroy Winn Ratzlaff was born at the Hand County Hospital in Miller SD, to Arnold and Josephine (Ensz) Ratzlaff. Elroy attended first and second grade at Highmore Elementary, transferring to the re-opened Eagle Rural School for third through seventh grade. He completed eighth grade through high school in Highmore, graduating in 1971.

Following graduation, Elroy continued to play an active role in operating the family farm. At various times, he would pick up extra work at neighboring farms and ranches. In 1975, Elroy went to Texas to work for Power Constructors. During the fall and winter of 1977, he worked at Iowa Beef Processors in Sioux City, IA. Spring of 1978 found Elroy back at the family farm, eventually helping with management.

Elroy was known for his blue 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1. The Mach 1 made many appearances at drag races, both legal and illegal. Elroy was also a member of the Hyde County Rough Riders Snowmobile Club.

Elroy attended the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, which later became Grace Bible Church. In 1975, he accepted Christ as his personal Savior, and became an active member of the church. From that time onward, Elroy held the unwavering belief that he would be in heaven someday.

On October 10, 1996, at age 43, Elroy married Donita Hamlin, also taking on her four children, ages 11, 10, 9 and 8. Although parenting brought its struggles, Elroy helped the children to come through it all as better people. In later years, he opened his heart wide to include his three grandchildren whom he loved dearly.

Pets played a big part in Elroy's life as he was often seen driving with one of his little dogs perched on his shoulder.

Farming and ranching was truly Elroy's life. He also enjoyed his guns and hunting with friends, and loved to read during the winter evenings. He spent many hours playing farkle, and enjoyed bowling, softball and tennis in his younger years. He was a very loving and forgiving man.

Elroy is survived by his loving wife, Donita of Highmore; children: Amanda (Mike) Wentlandt of Holabird SD, Elizabeth Bleeker (Tasha) of New Hope MN, Christopher Bleeker (KayTee) of Rapid City SD, and Benjamin Bleeker (Lindsey) of Plymouth MN; grandchildren: Kaydence, Jocelynn, and Holden Wentlandt; two sisters, Skyla Ratzlaff and Robin (Gary) Sivertsen; one brother, Durward Ratzlaff; one uncle; several aunts; one niece and several nephews, many cousins and many more friends, and his beloved pet, Davey.

Elroy was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Josephine Ratzlaff; grandparents; very close friends, Ward Wiley and Doran Bartscher, and many aunts and uncles.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Elroy’s arrangements.