Jason Ratzlaff, 51, of rural Clarkson, Nebraska passed away on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at his home after a lengthy battle with cancer. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday Sept. 26th at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Howells with Fr. Stan Schmit officiating. Lunch will follow Mass at the Howells Catholic Social Hall and burial will take place in the Heun Cemetery at 2 p.m. Monday. Visitation will be on Sunday from 3 until 5 with a public vigil service held at 5 p.m. all at the church. Visitation will resume Monday from 9:30 until 10:30. Memorials are suggested to Family Wishes for later designation. Svoboda Funeral Home is handling arrangements for the family.
Jason was born on March 9, 1971 in Jay, Oklahoma to James Ezra and Leanne Kae (Bertus) Ratzlaff. He graduated from Columbus High School. He married JoLynn Brichacek on July 2, 1994. He worked in and ran the kitchen at Village Inn in Columbus and was the “go to” man for training kitchen staff. After running the Village Inn kitchen, Jason opened and operated his own dog kennel which he was still operating until his death.
Dad, husband, uncle, mentor, coach, publicist, animal lover, and guidance counselor-just some of the many hats that Jason wore throughout his life. Jason’s family meant the world to him, that could be seen in the coaching of their sports teams, cheering in the stands at any event, and even writing Facebook updates on how games panned out. Jason has always loved the Huskers, but quickly turned to love Cyclones, Jaguars, and Warriors athletics more than anything. Sports were a major part of Jason’s life; he played in YMCA basketball for over 25 years. He actively supported the Denver Broncos and Nebraska Huskers and could be found on any game day cheering them on and munching on a bag of Cheetos. He loved the summer season for two reasons, it was softball season and his kids were home. Jason also enjoyed many of the early morning on hunting expeditions he was able to share with his children and brother throughout many deer seasons. He also loved visiting the Black Hills and was always looking for a time in the family’s busy schedule to get up to his “Happy Place”
He is survived by his wife of 28 years JoLynn of rural Clarkson, children Jaedyn, Jordyn, and Jimmy Ratzlaff; mother Leanne Ratzlaff; mother-in-law Ruth Brichacek; sister Sharla Ratzlaff, brother Jamin (Angela) Ratzlaff and their children Lila and Henry; sister-in-law Keri Brichacek and her children Remi and Milo; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Jason is preceded in death by his father James Ratzlaff, sister Sarah Ratzlaff, father-in-law Robert J. Brichacek, and his grandparents.