Daniel Joseph Ratzloff

Daniel J. Ratzloff, 65, Pipestone, died Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Funeral services were Friday, Dec. 12 at St. Leo Catholic Church in Pipestone with Father Martin Schaefer officiating.

Pallbearers were Wayne Amdahl, Bill Larson, Warren Bailey, Leo Bofenkamp, Duane Stratton, Elden Dahl, Bob Nangle and Tom McCormick.

Honorary pallbearers were all past and current faculty and staff at Pipestone Area School.

Daniel Joseph Ratzloff was born to Alfred and Ethel (Brugman) Ratzloff on Oct. 22, 1938 in Windom where he grew up and received his education. After his graduation from Windom High School in 1957, he attended the University of Nebraska on a football scholarship. He enjoyed being a Cornhusker until repeated knee injuries ended his football career. He then transferred to Mankato State College where he graduated with a degree in Industrial Tech in 1963.

He married Joan Doblar at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Madison, S.D. on Sept. 4, 1965. After they were married, he began his teaching career in Pipestone where he taught Industrial Technology for 33 years, retiring in 1997. During this time, he coached football and track. He also taught drivers education which he continued doing until this past year. He was diagnosed with cancer in September 2001.

He was a member of St. Leo Catholic Church in Pipestone. He was a past member of the Hiawatha Club, State Industrial Arts Association and the Minnesota Coaches Association. In 1991, he was awarded the Butch Nash Award for excellence in coaching.

He is survived by his wife, Joan; four children, Margo (Santosh) Kalkar, Plymouth; Joe (Renita) Ratzloff, Rock Rapids, Iowa; John (Michelle) Ratzloff, Sioux Falls; and Tedd (Dayna) Ratzloff, Sioux Falls; seven grandchildren; and four brothers, Jim (Corrine) Owatonna; Phil (Joan), Windom; Mike (Nancy), Little Falls and Tom (Mary), Maple Lake.

He was prececed in death by his parents and an infant brother, George.