Richard Ratzlaff

Richard Merlin Ratzlaff, a long time resident of Lewis, passed away early Friday morning, August 11, 2006, at the Veterans Home in Marshalltown, Iowa at the age of 74.Richard was born February 12, 1932 to Fred John and Dorothy Linda (Cornwall) Ratzlaff in Lewis, Iowa where he grew up and attended school. He served his country in the Korean War for two years. Following his discharge, Richard worked in construction building bridges for Cohran Construction for over 20 years retiring in 1987. Richard enjoyed the outdoors especially hunting and fishing.He is survived by seven children; Linda Eiseman and husband, Barney of Montgomery, TX, Larry Ratzlaff of Schleswig, IA, David Ratzlaff and wife, Judy of Rockwell, IA, Tommy Ratzlaff of Bradford, IA, Bruce Ratzlaff and wife, Deb of Manchester, IA, Tammy Pringnitz of Austin, TX and John Ratzlaff of Seattle, WA; one brother, Frank Ratzlaff of Manchester, IA; sixteen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Dorothy; two brothers, Raymond and Don Ratzlaff; one sister, Carolyn Ratzlaff; one son, Dale Ratzlaff and one daughter Lou Ann Ratzlaff.The family is having a prayer service for family and friends Sunday afternoon, August 13, at 3:30 at the Roland Funeral Home with Rev. Richard Parker of the Neighborhood Bible Church of Hampton officiating. There will be a military graveside service by the Atlantic Color Guard at the Oakwood Cemetery in Lewis, IA on Monday, August 14, at 1:30 in the afternoon.Funeral InformationIn Loving Memory ofRichard Merlin RatzlaffBorn February 12, 1932Lewis, IowaENTERED INTO RESTAugust 11, 2006Veterans Home in Marshalltown, IowaPRAYER SERVICESunday, August 13, 2006, 3:30 P.M.Roland Funeral Home ~ Atlantic, IowaOFFICIATINGRev. Richard ParkerNeighborhood Bible Church of Hampton, IAMUSICAL SELECTIONSAmazing GraceOld Rugged CrossOne Day At A TimePrecious Lord Take My HandCD"sBEARERS David Ratzlaff Larry Ratzlaff Tommy Ratzlaff Bruce Ratzlaff Allen Ratzlaff Barney EisemanINTERMENTMonday, August 14, 2006, 1:30 P.M.Oakwood Cemetery ~ Lewis, IowaAtlantic Color Guard