Lawrence Eugene Ratkowski

Larry was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Gladys Ratkowski; son-in-law, Scott Emelander; granddaughter, Bailey Emelander; and parents-in-law Marion, Kathryn, and Helen Ross.

Larry is survived by his loving and devoted wife of almost 62 years, Ann Ratkowski. Along with Ann, he is survived by their children Michael (Renee) Ratkowski, Deb (Dave) Hatfield, Kathryn Emelander, and Jennifer (Mike) Baumann; their 12 grandchildren Jake (Paige) Ratkowski, Mollie and Jessie Ratkowski, Tyler, John, and Kayla Kalmink, Matt (Liv) Hewitt, Brad Emelander, CJ (Brooke) Baumann, Garrett and Wes Baumann; and two great-grandchildren Wyatt and Emerson. Larry is also survived by his brother and sisters - Sister Carolyn Ratkowski, Fran (Marjory) Ratkowski, Bev Watson, Jim (Karen) Ratkowski, and Rose (Roger) Wisman; in-laws Maurice Ross, Larry Ross, and Mary Ellen Weinberg. Larry is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Larry lived in Bronson until 1973 when he moved his family to Hamilton to pursue a job as a tool and die maker at Hamilton Industrial Products, where he retired after 32 years of service. He was a devoted Catholic at St. Mary’s Assumption Church in Bronson, then with the move to Hamilton at St. Francis De Sales Church in Holland. He was involved in Knights of Columbus in Bronson and was involved in church bingo in Holland. Larry enjoyed several years of golfing, bowling, watching his kids and grandkids play sports, and watching Tigers baseball, Lions football and Notre Dame football. He joined the Hamilton Hawkeye Chain Gang to be able to have a great view to watch Mike play football and continued on for a total of 30 years. Larry always looked for sporting events to attend the last few years and loved following the Bronson Girls Softball. He spent countless hours with uncles, brothers, and the rest of the family looking for morel mushrooms. Larry and Ann also enjoy countless vacations with many family members and friends from Sandy Pines where they have been members for 51 years. Larry loved spending time with his grandchildren watching them play sports, going to White Caps games and just spoiling them. He also found great joy in watching his great-grandchildren play and grow over the last few years.

Larry held a special place in his heart for his dear friends Marvin and Wilma Pogodzinski, along with Deacon Russ Pogodzinski. They have many memories at Polish day festivals, vacations and many nights playing cards.

Visitation will be held from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, August 23, 2026 at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Services (Dorr Chapel), 4330 18th St., Dorr, MI 49323, with prayers of the Rosary beginning at 4:30 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m. Monday, August 24, 2026 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 1871 136th Ave., Dorr, MI 49323. Interment will be at Saint Mary's Assumption Cemetery in Bronson, MI.

Memorial donations may be made to Saint Mary’s Assumption School, 204 Albers Rd., Bronson, MI 49028 or Saint Stanislaus School, 1861 136th Ave., Dorr, MI 49323, or Ottawa Area Center, 10160 96th Ave., Allendale, MI 49401. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.kubiakcookdorr.com in their online guestbook.