Adelheid 'Heidi' Ratz

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 WWII. After the war she snuck into West Germany. She resided there until she immigrated to Whitefish, Montana 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.

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

She is 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 on Friday, Dec. 13, 2019 at 11 a.m. 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.