Melvin E. "Mel" Ratz

RATZ, Melvin E., age 91, of Zephyrhills, FL, formerly of Tipp City, OH, passed away on October 6, 2026.

Mel was born on March 22, 1935, in Gillett, WI, to Emil and Olga Ratz. He is survived by his loving partner: Rosalina Price; his sister: Caroline Curtis; and sister-in-law: Audrey Ratz. Mel was the youngest in a family of 15 children. He was the last because they finally got the perfect son, per Mel. He will be sadly missed by too many nieces and nephews to count (you know who you are!), and many caring friends. He was preceded in death by his wife: Diane (Allen) of Tipp City, OH, in 2013; and is survived by stepchildren: Lisa Cozatt and Bruce Allen; step grandchildren: Aaron Cozatt, Elizabeth Cozatt and Dianna Allen; also 6 great grandchildren.

Mel’s zest for life, adventure stories, bad jokes, love and hospitality will long be remembered, and missed, by all who knew him. He lived life to the fullest and was a true hero. After graduating Gillett High School in 1953, he proudly went on to dedicate over 33 years of his life in service to his country. He retired from the USAF after 22 years active duty at the rank of Senior Master Sergeant E-8. His service covered many stateside locations as well as tours in France, Japan, Sweden, Germany and Turkey. He served at two Embassies as Operations Coordinator with the Military Attaches Office in both. Sergeant Ratz was recognized by numerous awards and decorations for exemplary service. These included the AF Airman’s Medal for Heroism, Meritorious Service Medal for voluntary risk of life to obtain highly classified information, the Air Force Commendation Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters. His most notable service was 11 years serving as an Intelligence Specialist traveling in East Germany where he was assigned to the Group of Soviet Forces, East Germany. Following his active duty, he continued to serve another 13 years as a Civil Servant at both Wright Patterson AFB, OH, and the United States Military Liaison Mission to the Mission of the Group of Soviet Forces, East Germany.

Mel will be honored with a Celebration of Life in Troy, OH on March 22, 2027. Details will follow later.