Henry Peter Ratzlaff of 42582 Walnut Ave., Yarrow, passed away August 24, 1987 at the Menno Hospital in Abbotsford at the age of 90. He was born June 24, 1897 to Peter & Anna Ratzlaff in Kaltan, Sumara, Russia. He received Christ and was baptized in his youth in Siberia. He enjoyed singing and the music he learned in his youth sustained him during his later days. In 1922, he married Katharine Wedel. In 1926 they immigrated to Drake, Saskatchewan in Canada, four months later, they moved to Dunrea, Manitoba and 1939, they moved to Yarrow, B.C. Henry & Katharine were active members of the Yarrow MB Church and was a builder of the original M.B. Church building. In 1972, Henry & Katherine celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and in 1982, their 60th anniversary.

Henry was very active in the Yarrow Community, he was the first Fire Chief of Yarrow Volunteer Fire Department. He was responsible for building the Yarrow Water Works system and served on the board. In 1983, he was honored with a lifetime membership of the Yarrow Waterworks and presented with a silver tray.

In, 1986, due to poor health, Henry moved to the Menno Home in Abbotsford. He is remembered as a devoted Christian committed to God's word, a man gifted with many skills who strove for excellence in all endeavours, a loving, unselfish man, and a man with a great sense of humour. He was predeceased by son Jacob, he is mourned by his wife Katherine; sons Henry, Peter and Ernie; daughters Anne, Mary, Tina and Lydia, 13 grandchildren, and 5 great-grand-children. The funeral was August 29, 1987 in Yarrow M.B. Church with Wilf Richert and H. Klassen officiating. Burial was at Yarrow Cemetery.

RATZLAFF, Katharine Wedel

Katharine Wedel Ratzlaff passed away May 17, 1993 at the Menno Hospital in Abbotsford. She was born July 1, 1901 to Jacob and Maria Wedel in NeuSamara, Russia. She was raised to have faith in God and care for those around her. She sneaked in to care for her brother Cornelius, who died of typhus Jan. 31, 1922, the day before she married his best friend, Henry Peter Ratzlaff. Her strength and devotion carried them through difficult years. In 1926 they immigrated to Canada. They sang together, listened to tapes of old hymns, read books and listened to sermons in the prayer room of their home. She maintained a cookie cupboard for visiting children. She showed her affection by eager service, bear hugs and kisses. They celebrated their 50th Wedding anniversary in 1972 and their 60th in 1982.

Katharina was predeceased by her husband Henry in 1987, son Jacob in 1928, 1 grandson Larry Ratzlaff in 1980, 2 sisters and 3 brothers, she is mourned by her children Henry (Gwen) of Surrey, B.C., Anne of Richmond, B.C., Mary (Eddie) Froese of Yarrow, B.C., Peter (June) of CuItus Lake, B.C., Tina (Si) Coleman of Langley, B.C., Lydia of Richmond and Ernie (Jackie) of New Westminster, B.C.; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and 1 brother John Wedel. Katharina was a long-time resident of Yarrow. The funeral was May 22, 1993 in Yarrow MB Church, with Ron Braun and Henry Claassen ministering. Burial was at Yarrow Cemetery.