Melvin Ratzlaff

Paxico-Melvin E. Ratzlaff, 80 passed away, Monday, February 9, 2015 at the Community Hospital in St. Marys. He was born May 13, 1934 at Newton, the son of Arthur G. and Lydia Gunther Ratzlaff. He graduated from Newton High School. He attended Emporia State University and graduated from Wichita State University. Mr. Ratzlaff served in the United States Air Force. While attending Wichita State University he worked for Boeing. He later was an Aeronautical Engineer in Oklahoma and for many years with General Electric in California. He moved to the Paxico community in 2009. Mr. Ratzlaff was a member of NRA, the Rocky Mountain Elks Assn., Quails Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever. Melvin was married to Phyllis Wall. She preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Eugene and Dana Laverne; sisters, Wanda Lee, Mary Ann, Loretta Mae and Rosella Jo. Survivors include a brother, John "Jack" (Ann) Ratzlaff, Halstead; a niece raised as a sister, Colleen Behrends, in Florida, and several nieces and nephews. Memorial graveside services will be at 10:30 A.M. Friday, February 13, 2015 at Sunset Lawn Cemetery in El Dorado. Memorial contributions may be made to Paws to Love Humane Society and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, Kansas 66536.