Michael John Ratzlaff, 75, of San Diego, California, passed away unexpectedly on October 11, 2023 at his home. Born December 15, 1947. He was the oldest son of Johnnie and Dorothy Ratzlaff.

Mike graduated from Hoover High School. He then served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. After the Army he pre-sued his career in heavy equipment. He worked for and learned the business from C.W. McGrath. He then moved on to starting his own company M.J. Ratzlaff in 1986. Mike was very well known in the industry for his blade work as well as his red trucks for the company. He had a love for dirt, fishing and gardening. His past time was being on his bass boat on local lakes or the river and deep sea fishing. Any chance he got to be out on the water he would.

He met his wife Ralleen Heekin in 1975 and were married in 1976. They celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary in September.

Mike is lovingly remembered by his wife Ralleen Ratzlaff, 3 daughters Heather Stoffel; Chrissy Danks; Mileen Ratzlaff, 2 son in laws Donnie Stoffel; Travis Danks, and 4 grandsons Michael Raymond Stoffel; Cameron Cole Stoffel;Jeffrey Michael Ratzlaff; Connor Spencer Danks. He is also survived by his brother Gregory Ratzlaff.

Mike was tough as nails, stubborn as a rock, with a huge heart under his shell and a smile that warmed you. He is going to be deeply missed by all. Please go “wet a line” in the lakes in remembrance of Mike and catch a big one. We know his legacy will live on by his grandsons and children.

A celebration of life will be held on December 2, 2023 at a private residency. For additional information please reach out to Mileen at 619-250-1670.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations in his honor to be made to American Lung Association for lung cancer research. Action.lung.org

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