Dennis Dean "Denny" Ratzlaff, '88
Dennis Dean "Denny" Ratzlaff, '88, passed away on August 4, 2025, in York, Nebraska.
Dennis "Denny" Dean Ratzlaff, age 55 of York, Neb. died Monday, August 4, 2025. Denny had been battling an aggressive form of cancer, but is at peace now. He was born on April 1, 1970 to Ron and Jan (McCall) Ratzlaff in York.
Denny attended St. Joseph's elementary school in York, Neb. through the 4th grade. Denny attended York Middle School until 8th grade. He went on to finish his schooling, and graduate from Boys Town, in Omaha, Neb. Over the years Denny obtained many skills and loved working with his hands. He worked several years doing construction. Denny worked at Earl May Landscaping in York. If you knew him well, there's a good chance he shared some of his love, passion, and knowledge of all thing's plants, flowers, and trees. Denny spent a number of his last working years maintaining his lawn care and snow removal business.
Denny was an avid outdoorsman and he especially enjoyed fishing and camping. He was a huge sports fan as well, particularly the Dallas Cowboys and Huskers. Denny really enjoyed fireworks and the 4th of July. He spent many years helping make fireworks and running firework stands. Most friends and family have a firework story or memory with Denny.
Denny was a friend to all. He loved hanging out and just living and loving on all his family and friends. Above all else, he loved his nieces and nephews.
Denny is survived by his father, Ron of York; sister, Diane Ratzlaff and her children, Gage Hoover and Te'a Hoover (great niece Ruby and great nephew Victor) all of Lincoln, Neb.; brother, Tom, and sister-in-law, Leah Ratzlaff and their children, McKain, Charlie, and Peter of Hastings, Neb; uncle, Sandy Ratzlaff of Benedict, Neb.; aunt, Jackie Kaspari of Lincoln, Neb.; aunt Marylee McCall of Parker, Colo.; aunt, Linda and uncle, Kenny Meyers of Holmesville, Neb.; aunt, Loretta and uncle, Terry Ratzlaff of Auburn, Neb.; aunt, Dorothy McCall of York, Neb, and aunt, Shirley McCall of York, Neb.; as well as many, many cousins and his goddaughter, Victoria Stahr.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Jan; aunt, Karen McCall; aunt, Pam Ratzlaff; uncle, Bill McCall; uncle, Larry McCall; and uncle, Clarence Kaspari; cousins, Mindy Baehr, Alan Ratzlaff, Brandon Crowley, Preston Baehr, Dean Baehr, and Ellie McCall.
There will be visitation with family from 9 to 10 a.m., and a rosary/service from 10 to 11 a.m., at Metz Mortuary on Saturday, September 6, 2025. The family will host a Celebration of Life gathering at Recharge Lake immediately following the service from 12 to 5 p.m. The family will provide a meal and refreshments, and hopes many friends and family can come celebrate the unique life of Denny Ratzlaff. A private family burial service will happen at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation. Condolences may be sent to the family at metzmortuary.com. Metz Mortuary in York is handling the arrangements.
Denny attended St. Joseph's elementary school in York, Neb. through the 4th grade. Denny attended York Middle School until 8th grade. He went on to finish his schooling, and graduate from Boys Town, in Omaha, Neb. Over the years Denny obtained many skills and loved working with his hands. He worked several years doing construction. Denny worked at Earl May Landscaping in York. If you knew him well, there's a good chance he shared some of his love, passion, and knowledge of all thing's plants, flowers, and trees. Denny spent a number of his last working years maintaining his lawn care and snow removal business.
Denny was an avid outdoorsman and he especially enjoyed fishing and camping. He was a huge sports fan as well, particularly the Dallas Cowboys and Huskers. Denny really enjoyed fireworks and the 4th of July. He spent many years helping make fireworks and running firework stands. Most friends and family have a firework story or memory with Denny.
Denny was a friend to all. He loved hanging out and just living and loving on all his family and friends. Above all else, he loved his nieces and nephews.
Denny is survived by his father, Ron of York; sister, Diane Ratzlaff and her children, Gage Hoover and Te'a Hoover (great niece Ruby and great nephew Victor) all of Lincoln, Neb.; brother, Tom, and sister-in-law, Leah Ratzlaff and their children, McKain, Charlie, and Peter of Hastings, Neb; uncle, Sandy Ratzlaff of Benedict, Neb.; aunt, Jackie Kaspari of Lincoln, Neb.; aunt Marylee McCall of Parker, Colo.; aunt, Linda and uncle, Kenny Meyers of Holmesville, Neb.; aunt, Loretta and uncle, Terry Ratzlaff of Auburn, Neb.; aunt, Dorothy McCall of York, Neb, and aunt, Shirley McCall of York, Neb.; as well as many, many cousins and his goddaughter, Victoria Stahr.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Jan; aunt, Karen McCall; aunt, Pam Ratzlaff; uncle, Bill McCall; uncle, Larry McCall; and uncle, Clarence Kaspari; cousins, Mindy Baehr, Alan Ratzlaff, Brandon Crowley, Preston Baehr, Dean Baehr, and Ellie McCall.
There will be visitation with family from 9 to 10 a.m., and a rosary/service from 10 to 11 a.m., at Metz Mortuary on Saturday, September 6, 2025. The family will host a Celebration of Life gathering at Recharge Lake immediately following the service from 12 to 5 p.m. The family will provide a meal and refreshments, and hopes many friends and family can come celebrate the unique life of Denny Ratzlaff. A private family burial service will happen at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation. Condolences may be sent to the family at metzmortuary.com. Metz Mortuary in York is handling the arrangements.