Virgil Dale Ratzlaff
Virgil Ratzlaff
Virgil Dale Ratzlaff, 84, died on October 4, 2026, at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, Wichita.
He was born on Feb. 2, 1942, in Fredonia to Herman Ratzlaff and Elsie (Dirks) Ratzlaff.
Virgil developed a love of flying early in life while working at the airport in Scott City as a teenager. He took his first solo flight on his sixteenth birthday and pursued his lifelong dream of becoming an aviator.
He graduated from Scott Community High School in 1960 and soon entered military service. Virgil served in the United States Air Force from 1960-64. During his service, he traveled throughout the world, including assignments in South Korea and Turkey.
After leaving the Air Force, he continued his passion for aviation and the people who shared his love of flight.
Virgil began his piloting career in Garden City as a spray pilot, a role that required skilled, low-altitude flying and constant attention to changing conditions.
One of the highlights of his aviation career was his involvement with a Curtiss JN-4 Jenny, a full-scale replica of the famous World War I training aircraft housed at the Combat Air Museum in Topeka. The aircraft was researched and built over 6-1/2 years by Elton Rowley, a former Boeing flight test engineer.
Because of his work maintaining and flying the Jenny, Virgil was selected to fly the aircraft for scenes in the 1989 NBC television movie Cross of Fire, which was partially filmed in and around Topeka.
Through his association with Rowley and others in the aviation community, Virgil became involved with the Gathering of Eagles, an annual gala hosted by the Flight Test Historical Foundation in Lancaster, Calif., honoring significant achievements and pioneers in aerospace flight testing.
Through these experiences, he met legendary aviators including Chuck Yeager, Bob Hoover, and Brigadier General Bob Cardenas.
After a rewarding career in aviation, Virgil continued to work by assisting local farmers and cattle ranchers. He enjoyed the opportunity to stay active and remain connected to his community.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Virgil professed his faith in Christ and was baptized on April 19, 1987.
Additionally, Virgil cherished the time he spent with his large, close-knit family. He was a proud father and grandfather who took great joy in celebrating the accomplishments and milestones of his children and grandchildren.
Virgil is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Brantley and husband, Wayne; a son, Jeffrey Ratzlaff and wife, Lori; three brothers, Delbert Ratzlaff, Grove, Okla.; Michael Ratzlaff, Russellville, Ark.; and Galen Ratzlaff, Scott City; a sister, Glenda Ryan, Newton; and five grandchildren, Reece, Alana, Kenna, Noah and Janessa.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Elsie Ratzlaff; brothers, Merrell, Chester, Garry, Gerald, Leonard, Milford and Melvin Ratzlaff; and sisters, Virginia Koehn and Joyce Koehn.
Visitation will be Thurs., Oct. 8, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Fri., Oct. 9, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Price and Sons Funeral Home, 401 S. Washington St., Scott City.
The funeral service will be held on Sat., Oct. 10, 10:30 a.m., at Price and Sons Funeral Home with Don Williams presiding.
Interment will be in the Scott County Cemetery.
Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be written to the Pence Community Church in care of Price and Sons Funeral Homes, Box 553, Scott City, Ks. 67871.