Dennis “Denny” Dean Ratzlaff, age 55 of York, NE 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, NE 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, NE. 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, NE; brother Tom, and sister-in-law Leah Ratzlaff and their children McKain, Charlie, and Peter of Hastings, NE; Uncle Sandy Ratzlaff of Benedict, NE; Aunt Jackie Kaspari of Lincoln, NE; Aunt Marylee McCall of Parker, CO; Aunt Linda and Uncle Kenny Meyers of Holmesville, NE; Aunt Loretta and Uncle Terry Ratzlaff of Auburn, NE; Aunt Dorothy McCall of York, NE, and Aunt Shirley McCall of York, NE; 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 Bahr; Allan Ratzlaff; Brandon Crowley; Preston Bahr; Dean Bahr; and Ellie McCall.
There will be visitation with family from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., and a rosary/service from 10 a.m. 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 p.m. 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 Boys Town. Denny’s service will be livestreamed on Metz Mortuary’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl1ffBwglpCqu7nKkx42SzQ