Melverne Ratzlaff

Melverne (Mel) Ratzlaff, 85, passed away peacefully on the evening of November 15th in Hillsboro, Kansas. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Theresa, Hillsboro; Daughters, Michele (Sam) Funk, Cincinnati, OH, Tami (Anthony) Garcia, Newton, KS; his sister Evy Boese O’Dell, McPherson, KS; 5 grandchildren, Bronson (Desiree) Garcia, Derek (Maran) Garcia, Connor Garcia, Zachary Garcia, Savannah Garcia; 4 great grandchildren, Cruz, Otto, Ayla and Darcy Garcia. Mel is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Mable (Giesel) Ratzlaff; sisters Lela Unruh, Beulah Unruh and Yvonne Friesen.

Mel was born on April 18, 1940 in Galva, KS. He graduated from Moundridge High School and shortly after enlisted in the US Army, stationed in Korea for 2 years. Mel was very proud to have served his country and enjoyed spending time with his friends at the American Legion in Hillsboro.

He had 20 exciting years working with National and PanAm Airlines in Washington DC, Tampa, FL and Houston, TX, retiring in 1983. He moved his family back to Moundridge, working for the city until his final retirement in 2002. He enjoyed golfing, camping, bluegrass festivals, playing guitar, pool and watching football.

The recitation of the Holy Rosary will be Saturday November 22, 2025 at 9:30am, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10am, both at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 421 South Ash Street, Newton KS. Interment with military honors will be at the St. Mary’s Cemetery, Newton following the funeral mass.

Memorials have been established with St. Jude’s and the Hillsboro American Legion Post #366. Contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, KS 67114.