In Memory of Allen (Al) D. Ratzlaff

Obituary

Allen (Al) D. Ratzlaff, age 96 1/2, passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at his home in Sebring, FL.

He was born on November 11, 1927, in Minot, ND, to David J and Edrie Olive (Golberg) Ratzlaff. After graduation from Minot High School and at the end of WWII he served 2 years in the United States Army. He graduated from Olivet College (Michigan) in 1951 with a B.A. in psychology and earned a M.A. in psychology from Syracuse University. He worked at several jobs including transportation, retail, education, and was a certified school psychologist. In 1960 he took a job as a Behavior Psychologist at Rome Development Center where he retired in 1982 as Chief of Children's Habilitation Services.

On September 7, 1952, he married Nancy Jean Shaver in Roscoe, NY and they enjoyed 71 1/2 years together. Al was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Sebring and was honored by being designated as Elder Emeritus. He was a 60-year member of the Free and Accepted Masons becoming Master of Roman Lodge in 1986. He was also active in the Shrine being Potentate of Ziyara Temple in 1992. The Scottish Rite with all its concordant bodies was also part of his busy schedule. He enjoyed woodworking, crossword puzzles, his garden railroad, boating, RVing and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughters, Lindsay (Terry) Wessling (MN) and Dawn (David) Thistle (MA); brother, Donald Ratzlaff of CA. He had 5 grandchildren: Kimberly (Wessling) Hill (Jason), Terry Wessling II, Heather (Wessling) Lindsay, Zachary Thistle (Allison), Jacob Thistle (Laura); and 10 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Donna Haggart and Dorene McNulty.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Childrens, Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, or a charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford, NY.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.