Ratkowski, Frank

Frank J. Ratkowski, 91, Stevens Point, died Wednesday, January 20, 2016, at North Ridge Assisted Living while under the care of Ministry Home Care Hospice. Mr. Ratkowski was born February 12, 1924 in the Town of Hull, a son of the late John and Regina (Firley) Ratkowski. He grew up on the family farm and attended Glinski School and St. Peter Elementary School.

As a young man, he served in the Civilian Conservation Corps from April, 1941 until his discharge in July, 1942. He entered the U.S. Army on January 25, 1943 and was assigned to the 475th Q.M. Trk. Regt. where he served for two years. In 1945, he was assigned to the Infantry and was sent to Luzon in the Philippines where he served as a rifleman. He received a Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Service Medal and the Philippine Liberation Service Ribbon with 1 Silver Star. On March 14, 1946, he was honorably discharged from U.S. Army Company "I" 341st Infantry with the rank of Sergeant.

On November 13, 1946, he married Joan Hrycyna at St. Peter Catholic Church. After the marriage, they settled in Stevens Point. Joan died in 2002.

Mr. Ratkowski worked at Preway in Wisconsin Rapids for over 17 years. In 1964, he joined the maintenance mechanic staff at UW-Stevens Point. He retired after 23 years. He then began his last, most interesting career as a neighborhood handyman. Helping people became his greatest passion and soon his phone rang at all hours of the day. The seasons were determined by the number of lawn mowers, snow blowers, small engines, and other odd pieces of equipment awaiting his magic touch. He also loved to fish and garden and was a loyal Green Bay Packer fan.

Survivors include three children, Judy of Plover, Jean of California, Frank, Jr., formerly of California and his daughter, Kim Marie, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be given to Operation Bootstrap or Ministry Hospice in Stevens Point.

Funeral Mass will be Tuesday Jan. 26, 2016 at St. Peter Catholic Church. Rev. Arul Joseph V. will officiate. Burial will take place in the Guardian Angel cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the time of services Tuesday morning in the St. Faustina room at St. Peter Church. Pisarski Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family. For online condolences please visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Stevens Point Journal on Jan. 23, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Frank Ratkowski

5 Entries

Terri Zabrowski

January 26, 2016

Judy, very sorry for the loss of your father. I know he was more than a father, he was also a close friend - you have many good memories. Wishing you comfort in your time of loss.

Dianne Smith

January 25, 2016

Sincere sympathy is extended in the loss of your father. God bless you with peace and comfort during this difficult time. Peace & love to all of you.

Robert Kilcoyne

January 25, 2016

Judy, your dad was such a pleasure to work with...so very very helpful and always with a smile. My sincere condolences.

Kathy Breseman

January 24, 2016

Judy, You've lost your dad but you are so fortunate to have so many memories of all the time you shared together before his health started to deteriorate. Hang on to those memories.

Phillip J. Janowski

January 23, 2016

Frank was a very interesting and knowledgeable person to know and work for. I got to know Frank when I was a student at SPASH & UW-SP when I was working at DeBot Center. Sometimes I would join him and the other maintaince personal on break. In recent years Frank was a client of mine for antenna and minor electrical repairs at his home on Meadow Street in Stevens Point, Wi. After the work was finished, we usually would bs about the good old days. Frank told me a wealth of history about the north side of Stevens Point Wi especially the area where he grew up as a young lad which is where the current Sentry World complex, golf course l-39,U.S 51, U.S.10 and the Eagle Summit areas are now. Frank also told me about my ancestors as well all precious memories that i was glad to learn. And it was also nice when he would reach out and shake my hand when i was coming from communion at St.Peters Catholic Church in Stevens Point Wi. Frank thank you for your service to our country. May God rest his soul. I will remember Frank in my prayers.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results