Robert "Bob" William Ratcliff

Robert (Bob) William Ratcliff, 88, of Crystal Lake, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday October 15th, 2023.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Duella.

Beloved husband of 65 years to Joanne (nee Paulson), he was the devoted father of Lori Ratcliff, Steve (Cindy) Ratcliff and Mike (Doreen) Ratcliff; adoring Papa of Matthew and Kyle (Sandi) Anderson, Natalie (Lance) Serbousek, Katie and Alyssa Ratcliff, and Jack, Kaitlin, and Colin Ratcliff; cherished Great-Grandfather of Haley and Brooke Anderson, Greyson and Emersyn Serbousek, and Alexandra and Caden Anderson, loving Brother to Vivian (the late Roy) Johnson, Alice (Virgil) Armstrong, and Glenn (Donna) Ratcliff; and many nieces and nephews.

Born in Cresco, Iowa, Bob attended Cresco High School where he excelled in football, baseball and track. After high school, Bob attended Luther college in Decorah, Iowa (1954-1958) where he continued his football career. While attending Luther College, he met the love of his life, Joanne Paulson, whom he married on August 16, 1958.

Bob holds a bachelor’s degree and began his first teaching and coaching position at Belmont High school in Wisconsin. Later, Bob went on to coach and teach at Badger High school for 10 years. In addition to coaching football, he started what is now the wrestling program for Badger High School. Subsequent to coaching, Bob spent 35 successful years as a top salesperson for Holt Rineheart and Winston/ Harcourt Brace. He retired from sales in 1999.

After retirement, Bob enjoyed spending time with his wife and family. Most days were spent socializing with friends, at the gym, and tending to his yard.

Bob was man of immense faith and an active member of Immanuel Lutheran in Crystal Lake for 53 years. serving on the stewardship committee, ushering and serving communion.

Bob is fondly remembered by his family, friends and colleagues as a kind man, one of the kindest.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, October 20, from 11:00am until a service at 1:00pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 300 Pathway Ct., Crystal Lake, IL 60014.

In lieu of flowers, a memorials in Bob's name can be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church .