Jerry Ratzlaff

Birth date: Feb 17, 1942 Death date: Oct 5, 2018

Jerry Ratzlaff, age 76, of Fayetteville passed away Friday October 5, 2018. He was born February 17, 1942 in Buhler, Kansas to Eldo and Anna Marie Siemens Ratzlaff. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Bill Ratzla Read Obituary

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Earl Rogers

271w ago

I moved to Gravette AR in june 1969, my first job out of Pharmacy School and worked for Albert Dunigan. Jerry was my great friend and we had many a great time. He was the most remarkable person. His students adored him and he was the hardest working and most dedicated band director I have every seen, and a great friend. I miss him and so sad to hear of our loss. My nephew’s wife told me of his passing as she had him as band director in Russellville as an8th grader in the 1980’s.
What a man and what a friend he was. The world is a bit poorer with his loss.
Kay: i share your loss. We have not lost him ; heaven has gained an angel.
Earl Rogers

Kyle Pruitt

327w ago

I am sorry to just be finding out about Jerry's passing. My sincere condolences to his family. Jerry was a tremendous person in every way! I had the honor of being a student teacher under his guidance in 1985. I will never forget him. Rest in Peace, good Sir!

Kyle Pruitt
Madison, AL

Tamara Williams

363w ago

The guidance of determination and structure is a gift Jerry Ratzlaff offered. During the years in the Russellville band, his dedication was on a pedestal that is held today through my eyes today. Jerry Ratzlaffs’ love for his family and community is a value that will continue to reflect in his footprints, parallel with the music he honored. The ripples and waves of Jerry Ratzlaffs legacy will live and sing eternally as blessings forevermore. Russellville High School Graduate, Class of 1994.

Jim Franks

363w ago

Jerry was full of life and just enjoyed people, especially his students. He never met a stranger and was always positive about life. He was my friend and he will be missed by many. I know he and JP will share many stories and laughter. If there is golf in heaven , then they will live on the course. We lost a fine man and a religious man but heaven gained his soul. We'll miss you Jerry. Love You. Jim Franks

Bob Sivils

364w ago

Jerry was the most POSITIVE person I can remember ever meeting. Not only positive about his own life and future plans but he was always speaking nice things about everyone we talked about. He truly are for everyone but most of all his family. I know they will miss him as we all will but rest assured the example he set for all of us will be missed the most.

Diane Bennett

364w ago

To the Family of Jerry Ratzlaff....my deepest sympathy to your family in this time of great sorrow. Mr. Ratzlaff, as we all knew him, was my choir teacher, at Gravette Ar. probably around 1967. He could be a little intimidating at times if you didn't pay attention in class. Since I was use to singing at my church all the other girls in class would gather around me to get their pitch. One day we were cutting up in class and Mr. Ratzlaff hollered at me, he always called me Miss Presley. Well, I hollered back at him and then I ran out of class never to return again. A few years ago I ran into Jerry and we recalled the situation, we both laughed about it. I will always remember him and what he instilled in his students. We didn't realise it at the time but he made an imprint in our lives to be forever remembered. May GOD give you peace....Diane Presley Bennett

Rebecca Rush

364w ago

Jerry made such a huge impact on everyone here at Butterfield Trail Village, he was truly one of the good guys. To know Jerry was to love him and he will greatly missed.

Barbara, Jim, &Marianne Horton

364w ago

God must have needed help with the heavenly music so he called Jerry up for assistance. He will be greatly missed by everyone. A great teacher and good friend. Prayers are with the family.

Mischala Walker

364w ago

One of the best band directors ever! You will be missed. You made a great difference in my life and so many others. Mischala WalkerRHS class of 1990

Rebecca Harris

364w ago

I am so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. He was such a delight. He always there with a big smile and a friendly greeting. He was so kind to my mother, Madelyn, from the time she moved into Butterfield. He made her transition much easier. He was really such a shining light. I am grateful to have known him. My thoughts are with his family.

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