Marland J. Ratekin

Marland Ratekin, 81, passed away at home, with his wife by his side, early Friday morning after a long battle with cancer.

A lifelong resident of Rushville, Marland graduated from RHS in 1960.   

In his younger years, he discovered an interest in cars that never lessened.  In later years, he also found a love of collecting, buying and selling antiques.  

Marland raised his only son, Tony, before meeting his wife, Cindy in 1980, who brought with her two children he would become a stepfather to.  Marland and Cindy enjoyed 42 wonderful years of marriage.  Cindy could often be found in the passenger seat of one of Marland's treasured sports cars or by his side at every yard sale they passed on their many road trips.  

Aside from his wife, son and step-children, Marland's greatest passion would be discovered in 1988 with the birth of his first grandchild.  Twelve more would follow, each loved just as much as the others.  He will forever live on in their loving memories and the stories that will be shared with (so far) his six great-grandchildren.  He will be greatly missed.

Marland is preceded in death by his parents, Charles Bert Ratekin and Louella Ratekin, a brother, William "Bill" Ratekin, and his sister Mary Lou Taylor. Marland is survived by his beloved wife, Cindy Ratekin; son, Tony (Kathy) Ratekin, stepdaughter, Dawn Roudebush and stepson, Brad (Shannon) Roudebush, 13 grandchildren, six (and one on the way) great-grandchildren and his former son-in-law, John (LeAnn) Nowakoski. 

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