Mr. Bernard Ratner, patriarch of a proud Jewish family, passed away.
Mr. Ratner, a native Minnesotan, was the son of Max and Bessie Ratner. Max was well-known in Minneapolis as a prominent businessman and philanthropist during the depression years. He gave people a means of supporting their families through allowing them to sell milk on consignment through his Dairy business.
Bernard followed in his father’s brave footsteps. During WWII, he served as a captain under General George S. Patton. He was lucky enough to survive after fighting on the front lines for 102 days. He came away with hearing loss and facial burns. He subsequently was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Cross medal for his war-time bravery.
After the war, in the late 40’s, he volunteered at Hillel House at the University of Minnesota campus. He worked alongside Rabbi Milgrom in encouraging Jewish students to attend programs while receiving his BA in Business Administration from the U of M.
He was the first President of B’nai Brith in St. Paul and worked very hard to expand and develop important programs for the community.
As an avid sportsman, he participated in the 5 day Iron Man bike rides with Jim Klobuchar with much vigor and youthful enthusiasm, even into his 60’s and 70’s.
As a successful business owner, he, along with his devoted and dedicated wife of more than 65 years, Pauline, merited to raise a beautiful family.
He leaves his wife Pauline along with his 4 children, Max (Leeanne) Ratner (Minneapolis), Devora (Joseph) Caytak (Ottawa, Canada), Mark (Lisa) Ratner (Naples/Minneapolis) and Hillary (Bill) Kiefer (Minneapolis/Palm Beach, CA).
Together with his partner in life, Pauline, they used to travel for their children and grandchildren’s simchas. They would never miss a holiday or family celebration. Their participation was the highlight of the family get-togethers and met with much excitement and enthusiasm from the whole family.
Zaydie Dovber (as he was affectionately called), loved his grandchildren and spending time with them.
He leaves behind 17 grandchildren, and many, many (kein yirbu great-grandchildren).
His grandchildren (many who are shluchim and Chassidisher yungerleit throughout the world) are Hershel (Aliza) Caytak, Ottawa; Rivka (Avraham) Varnai, Chicago; Sara (Mendy) Loewenthal, Toronto; Bluma (Abi) Michaan, Sao Paulo; Dovid (Mussia) Caytak, Jerusalem, Mushky (Mendel) Tiefenbrun, Walnut Creek, FL; Esther (Ruvy) Litzman, Pomona; Bracha Leah (Berel) Paltiel, Crown Heights; Menachem (Chana) Caytak, Troy, Michigan, Moshe Caytak, Miriam Caytak and Yaakov Caytak, Laura Perl Ratner, Minneapolis, Joel Ratner, Chicago, Jacob Ratner, Minneapolis, Tallinn Kiefer, Los Angeles, Sam Kiefer, Los Angeles.
He was predeceased by his brother Hymie Ratner, LA, Florence Thome, LA and David Ratner, Minneapolis.
May his memory always be a blessing for his family and for Klal Yisrael.
Shiva will begin after Yom Tov.
Baruch Dayan Ha’emes.
What a loss! May Hashem comfortable with family.
We are saddened to hear of the passing of our grandfather and great grandfather, BDE.
Hershel, Aliza and family