Gordon Ratzlaff

Gordon Bruce “Nik” Ratzlaff, 62, passed peacefully into eternal glory on July 1st, 2013 at his home in Kearney, Nebraska. A Celebration of Life service will be 10:30 AM Saturday, at Grace Fellowship Church in Kearney. The Rev. Mitch Ivey will officiate. A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. A time of visiting with family will be 5-7, Friday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney. A time of sharing will begin at 6 PM. Memorial gifts can be made to The Voice of the Martyrs, an organization dedicated to assisting the persecuted church around the world, and one that Nik faithfully supported. Online condolences may be shared at osrfh.com. O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney is in charge of arrangements. Nik was born September 27, 1950 to Bill and Mary (Montoya) Ratzlaff in Aurora, Nebraska. He grew up on the family farm near Stockham, Nebraska. When he was young, Nik was stricken with polio and endured several procedures to repair his affected leg. During his time in the hospital, Nik found solace in drawing and inventing stories. Unfortunately, the polio and the procedures left one leg severely weakened, limiting mobility his entire life. Not to be slowed down, Nik met the love of his life, Melinda Ames, at a Campus Crusade for Christ retreat in 1972. They were married on July 8th of that year. The creative spark ignited during Nik’s time spent in hospitals as a child set a course to a lifetime of creating art in a number of mediums. His work has been exhibited in galleries across the US and Europe. His strong interest in music led to a self-taught knowledge of numerous instruments. His love of food led to him constantly cooking meals for family and friends. Much to the chagrin of those seeking the secrets of his recipes, he never wrote anything down; each dish was a one-of-a-kind creation. His love of art, music, and food were all passed down to his five children. Nik's love for the Lord is what enabled him to make his largest impact. Over the past decade, Nik led countless Bible studies ?" for both groups and individuals ?" where he shared his knowledge and life experiences to disciple a number of individuals. A thorough study of scripture and God’s plan for his life is where he found the most satisfaction and peace. He would always be the first to say he was flawed, but he would never forget that the Lord was always there for him, would never abandon him, and would challenge him daily. Nik is survived by his mother Mary, of Aurora, Nebraska; wife Lindy, of Kearney; sister Mary Ann Ruzicka of Boelus, Nebraska; brother Bryan of rural Missouri; daughters, Amy (Blake) Wilson of Parker, Colorado, Jessica (Nate) Howland of Lincoln, Nebraska; Lisa (Russell) Guill of Lincoln, Nebraska and Stefanie (Mark) Geist of Lincoln, Nebraska; son, Samuel Ratzlaff of Kearney, Nebraska; grandchildren,Taylor, Paige, Caleb, Cassandra, Avery, Thomas, Lorien, and Lorelei; nieces, nephews, and numerous other relatives. Nik was preceded in death by his father, Bill.

Gordon Ratzlaff

September 27, 1950 - July 1, 2013