Lynn Irwin Ratzell

Lynn Irwin Ratzell, 82, of Lwr. Nazareth Twp., passed away on Friday, May 23, 2025, at St. Luke's Hospital, Anderson Campus. He was the beloved husband of the late Sarah Jane (Myers) Ratzell who passed in 2013 and Katherine (Keck) Heller whom he married in a commitment ceremony in November 2022. Born in Quakertown, he was the son of the late Irwin and Evelyn (Fox) Ratzell. He graduated from Quakertown High School in 1960 and attended Penn State University graduating in 1964 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He worked for PP&L for over 32 years retiring in 2002 and then did private consulting for 3 years more before retiring in 2005. He was a former member of Christ UCC Church in Bethlehem where he was active in the Soup Kitchen through Bethlehem Emergency Shelter and more recently has been an active member at New Creation UCC Church in Palmer Twp. He was also active in the Nazareth Lions Club, the Environmental Advisory Council of Lwr. Nazareth Twp., and the Rotary Club of Nazareth. In his free time, Lynn enjoyed cycling throughout the Lehigh Valley, and he was an avid skier and loyal Penn State fan. Survivors: Lynn is survived by his wife, Katherine, and his children, Thomas Ratzell and his wife, Donna of Blandon; Michelle McDermott and her husband, John of Newtown; sister, Karen Weikel and her husband, Terry of Sellersville and 4 grandchildren, Greg and Alec Ratzell and Grace and Rachel McDermott. Lynn is also survived by Katherine's stepchildren David Heller (Patti) and Marleah Doyle (Wayne) and their grandchildren. Services: Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Friday, June 6th from 10:00 to 11:00 AM followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM all at New Creation UCC Church, 3730 Nicholas Street, Easton. Burial of cremated remains will be private at Nisky Hill Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to James Funeral Home, Bethlehem. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions to New Creation UCC Church, 3730 Nicholas Street, Easton, PA 18045 or to The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, 2750 Hugh Moore Park Rd., Easton, PA 18042 (https://www.classy.org/give/575132/#!/donation/checkout) are appreciated.