Verner A. Ratzlaff, widow, father and grandfather died on March 4, 2004, as the result of a stroke. He was born August 10, 1928, in Corn, Oklahoma, eventually traveling to Reedley, CA, where he met and married his bride of over 50 years, Josephine Boldt, who died in January of this year. Vern and Jo lived in Virginia while he served in the Army eventually moving to Fresno, CA, where they both served God in Pinedale Baptist Church for many years. While working there, he became known as "Mud," a name he kept forever. In the late 60's, they relocated to Bakersfield, CA where they lived until recently beginning the process of moving to Missoula, MT.

Vern was known for his singing ability, was an avid sports buff and active with the Senior Citizen Center on Niles Street as long as his health permitted. After retiring from Zellerbach Paper Co. as a truck driver, he volunteered in the education system and served as ombudsman for Rosedale Retirement Home, along with working with Lay Renewal Groups around the world and singing in the Family and Friends Gospel Singing Group.

Those who knew him well will remember his sense of humor, his confidence, his quiet wisdom, his patriotism and his love for his family and his Lord.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jo and his eldest son, Mike who died in late October of 2003. He is survived by his sister, Alice Fuhlendorf, his loving children, Jo Ann Harrington, Jonnathon Ratzlaff and Jeannette Mulhause and by his grandchldren, Allison and Mark Ratzlaff, Jeffrey and Jason Harrington, Nate Grant and James Ratzlaff, and Julian Mulhause.

Viewing will be held at Autumn Oaks Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. on March 11, and services on Friday, March 12, 2004 will be held at 9:00 a.m. at New Life Center located on the corner of White Lane and Stine Rd. in Bakersfield, CA, with a light reception immediately following.

www.dignitymemorial.com

AUTUMN OAKS Funeral Home

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