Herman Charles RATZ

Appointed guardian for his brother, George Ratz, in 1910 at the time of death of their father. Source - Sangamon County, Illinois, Guardianship Case #3225. From Bob Gasaway, via Marilyn Reed Pierson: together Harry and his brother, George, owned acreage in Cooper Township as well as 2 parcels in Williams Township. Each parcel in Williams Twp. consisted of 160 acres. Herman's Last Will & Testament indicates his nephew and niece, George Robert Ratz and Betty Jean Ratz, to be his executors. The Will is dated October 16, 1943. The law firm also sent me a receipt of payment for Oak Hill Cemetery as well as a legal description of a piece of property. The receipt is signed by Winn J. Ross, his sister Gertrude's husband's uncle. Hosea & Maxine Ross of Bristol, Indiana, told me about Winn's relation. (He isn't a relative). Hosea & Maxine Ross on December 1, 1997, said Harry never married. Joan Sturdy on December 12, 1997, said Harry died of a heart attack. Buried in lot 3, block 26, 1st grave. Expenses from Wilson Park Funeral Home - casket & services - $385; vault - $110; grave opening - $12; clothes - $3.84; card of thanks - $1.80; telegram - $1.27. Total - $513.91. Date on paperwork - November 21, 1944. Obituary: Nov. 21 - Harry C. Ratz, 6_, of Rochester, died suddenly at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday while working in the field on his farm five miles east of Rochester. Coroner W. L. Dragoo, who investigated, will conduct an inquest. Mr. Ratz was a 25 year member and financial secretary of the I. O. O. F. No. 268 and was secretary of the Oak Hill cemetery board at Buckhart. Surviving are one brother, George W.; two sisters, Mrs. Hosea D. Ross, Mrs. Walter L. Sturdy, all of Rochester; one niece, Betty Jean Ratz; three nephews, Sgt. George Robert Ratz, A. A. F. Great Bend, Kan.; Meryl Sturdy, Rochester; Edward Ratz, St. Louis, Mo. Remains were taken to C. L. Jones funeral home, Rochester.

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