Lowell David Ratzlaff

Lowell David Ratzlaff, 93, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2026, ushered immediately into the eternal loving embrace of his Creator. His long life was marked by deep faith in Jesus Christ, a steadfast devotion to family and friends, and a creative spirit expressed through music, photography, videography, and a lifelong love of travel.

Born on December 3, 1932, on the family farm just outside Hillsboro, Kansas, Lowell grew up with a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for the beauty of everyday life. He attended a one room schoolhouse, French Creek School, then Hillsboro High School, and later graduated from Tabor College with a B.A. in Biology.

In 1954, Lowell moved to Denver, Colorado, where he fulfilled alternative service at Denver General Hospital. Two years later, in 1956, he married the love of his life, Marlene, in Harvey, North Dakota. Together they built a home filled with faith, hospitality, and joy. They shared a deep love of travel and adventure, exploring the world side by side until Marlene’s passing in 2011.

Lowell went on to build a long and successful career in sales, first with the 7 Up Company and later with the General Foods Corporation, where he worked until retirement.

His faith was central to his life. He was a founding member of Garden Park Mennonite Brethren Church in Denver, where he directed the choir and led worship for many years. His commitment to ministry also extended to the great outdoors; he was one of the founders of Deer Creek Christian Camp near Bailey, Colorado, a place where many people, young and old, encountered faith, friendship, and the beauty of creation.

A lifelong explorer, Lowell was blessed to travel extensively - visiting all seven continents, exploring over 150 countries, and experiencing 49 of the 50 U.S. states (he loved to joke that he never quite made it to Vermont). His curiosity, gratitude, and joy in God’s world were evident in every journey he took and every photograph he captured.

He is survived by his son, Stuart and his wife Beth; Stuart’s children, Beri and Baxter; Beth’s children, Samuel, Mariah and Cassie; his brother Marvin Ratzlaff and his wife Marylin; his sister in law, Phyllis Peterson; his sister in law Cindy Schultz and her husband Gary; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who will remember him with affection and admiration.

Lowell was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marlene; his son, Steven; his parents, David and Helen Ratzlaff; his sister, Vernice Ratzlaff; and his brother in law, Dick Peterson.

A service celebrating Lowell’s life will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at Wellspring Church, 3885 S Broadway, Englewood, CO 80113.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to Get HOPE Global, P.O. Box 27584, Denver, CO 80227, or online at https://get-hope-global.org