Louie C. Ratze

Louie C. Ratze, 93, of Rockford, died Friday, May 11, 2018 with loving family by his side.

Louie was born March 24, 1925 in Rockford, IL, son of August and Margaret (Schroeder) Ratze. He married Frances (Boettcher) Ratze on October 7, 1946. Louie was a self-taught man who loved and served the Lord. He volunteered much of his time to the church. Louie was a farmer and woodworker, and built several homes. He is an Army veteran, having served in World War II. Louie was a member of Riverside Assembly of God Church for over 40 years. He worked as a general foreman in aerospace technology with Sundstrand Aviation (UTC Aerospace Systems) for 30+ years.

Louie is survived by his 4 children, Robert (Peggy) Ratze, Larry (Linda) Ratze, Karen (Terry) Kapfer and Roger (Brenda) Ratze; 9 grandchildren, Michael, Janelle, Lance, Laurie, Angela, William, Jesse, Katie, and Ben; 21 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents; loving wife, Frances of 63 years; sisters, Doris Wicks and Jennie Garard; brothers, Otto and Art Ratze. Special thanks to the loving and caring staff of Heartland Hospice and Louie’s longtime friend and brother in Christ, Pastor Truman Turner.

Visitation will be held Tuesday evening, May 15, 2018 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory – Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Riverside Assembly of God Church with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Burial will conclude immediately following the service at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108. To share online condolences and memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com