Rev. Bernard Ratazak

Rockford--Reverend Bernard A. Ratazak, 97 died at Presence Cor Mariae, Thursday, January 1, 2015 and went to join his beloved wife Gloria who died January 15, 1965. Father was born on July 10, 1917, in Spring Valley, Illinois, to Stanley and Antoinette (Reinsch) Ratazak.

Father Ratazak. was called to active duty (1939-1942) in the United States Air Force during WWII and became a pilot. After serving his country, he attended Louisiana State University, graduating with a degree in Industrial Engineering, working at Barber-Colman. Father Ratazak was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate on May 17, 1975. He later attended Sacred Heart Seminary in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, and was ordained to the priesthood on July 10, 1976, by Most Reverend Arthur J. O’Neill at St. Bernadette Parish, Rockford, Illinois. His first assignment was as Parochial Vicar at St. Joseph Parish, Elgin, Illinois (July, 1976-July,1981) and was chaplain at Sherman Hospital. He then was assigned as Parochial Vicar at St. Bernadette Parish, Rockford, Illinois, and was chaplain at Rockford Memorial Hospital retiring in July, 1987. After his retirement, he continued to serve as chaplain at St. Anthony Hospital and Rockford Memorial Hospital until 1993.

Survivors are his sisters Lucille Piercy and Eleanor Silvestrini of Peru, Illinois, and Ramona Stasiak of Marshfield, Missouri; nephews Charles Ratazak, Bernard Stasiak, and nieces Jan Dyle, Judy Williamson, Mary Ann Bray, and Patty Kuster, great-nieces and great-nephews and many special friends and brother priests. Father is preceded in death by his parents, Wife, Gloria, brother Stanley, niece Elnora Piercy and nephew Jimmy Stasiak.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, January 7, 2015, at 11:00AM at St. Bernadette Church, 2400 Bell Avenue, Rockford. Visitation will be from 9:00AM-10:45AM at the church prior to the Mass. Bishop David J. Malloy will be the main celebrant. Interment will be at Valley Memorial Park, Spring Valley, Illinois. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com