Dr. Leslie W. Ratzlaff

Dr. Leslie W. Ratzlaff of Lake Wales passed away Monday, September 6, 2010 at his residence.

Born and raised in central South Dakota, he attended Anderson University in Anderson, IN where he earned both bachelor of arts and bachelor of theology degrees. After graduating, he and his first wife, Nina, began their term of missionary service in the Cayman Islands. Following a three year assignment there, they were transferred to Jamaica for pastoral and teaching duties. They returned to the United States in 1947, Dr. Ratzlaff continued his education and career in missionary work and pastoral duties. Dr. Ratzlaff received his doctorate of education degree in 1965 and moved to Lake Wales in 1966 from Fort Lauderdale, where he pastored the Fort Lauderdale First Church of God for several years. In 1966 he accepted an offer to be administrator, direct the fund raising and oversee development of the Warner Southern University campus. After a long and productive career, Dr. Ratzlaff resigned as the first academic dean in 1983.

Dr. Ratzlaff was preceded in death by his first wife, Nina Ratzlaff and 12 brothers and sisters. Survivors include his second wife, Grace Ratzlaff; two sons, Paul & Barbara Ratzlaff of North Port, Long Island, New York and Dale & Marcel Ratzlaff of Temple Terrace; three step-sons, David Selent of Paw Paw, MI, Raymond Selent, Jr. of Lakeland and Dennis & Merlin Selent of Paw Paw, MI; one sister, Clara Hoff of Highmore, SD; four brothers, Leroy Ratzlaff of Highmore, SD, Arnold Ratzlaff of Highmore, SD, Orville Ratzlaff of Highmore, SD and Sidney Ratzlaff of Elgin, OR; 4 grandchildren, 15 step-grandchildren, and 25 step-great-grandchildren.

Memorial service will be held 2:00 PM, Thursday, September 9, 2010 at the South Lake Wales Church of God with Rev. Bob Beckler officiating.

Donations may be made to the South Lake Wales Church of God (210 Presidents Drive, Lake Wales, FL 33859), Warner University Ministry Scholarship Fund (1389 Highway 27, Lake Wales, Florida 33859) or the Triple C School in Grand Cayman.

To view the webcast of his service, please click link below:
http://webcasts.lifetributes.com/163159