Adelheid 'Heidi' Ratz, 85

Adelheid “Heidi” Ratz, 85, was delivered into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Dec. 7, 2019. She was surrounded by her family and friends, as she passed away from the results of a stroke.

Heidi was born Oct. 9, 1934, in Rydzyno, Poland, to Eleonore and Adolf Zander. She was the youngest of six children. Her earliest memories were of growing up and surviving World War II. After the war she snuck into West Germany. She resided there until she immigrated to Whitefish in January of 1956.

She married Heinrich “Henry” Ratz on April 7, 1956. They resided for a short time in Poplar before returning to Whitefish, and she began working in the school lunch room. Heidi worked several years for Dr. Constenius, DDS, and then took care of children out of her home. She was a longtime member of St. Peter Lutheran Church and was involved with many activities at the church, one of her favorite being a member of the LWML and working on the quilting projects for World Relief. She was an avid gardener (flowers and vegetables) and was an excellent cook. She loved hosting dinners for her family.

Heidi is survived by her husband of 63 years, Henry; sons, Nathan (Lisa) Ratz and Peter (Teri) Ratz; and grandchildren, Hannah, Emily, Sarah, Nicholas and Elijah.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings Alfred, Karola, Ursula, Gerhardt and Waldemar.

Heidi was a quiet, understated, determined woman of faith who positively impacted many lives.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the North Valley Food Bank.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Whitefish. A visitation will start at 10 a.m. After services a light lunch will be served at the church. Burial will be at Glacier Memorial Gardens at 1:30 p.m.

Austin Funeral and Cremation services in Whitefish is caring for Heidi’s family.