Wayne Lee Ragatz, 82, of Frankfort, SD, passed away Thursday, April 20, 2017 at the Redfield Care and Rehabilitation Center in Redfield.  His funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 24, 2017 at the Frankfort United Methodist Church in Frankfort, SD.  Reverend Marty Toepke-Floyd will officiate.  Burial, with military honors, will follow in the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Frankfort.

Visitation will be Sunday from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Thelen-Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield.  Family will be present during this time to accept condolences.  Thelen-Hyke Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.  (www.thelen-hykefuneralhome.com)

Wayne Lee Ragatz was born February 18, 1935 in Frankfort to Edwin (E.F.) and Mabel (Luxton) Ragatz.  His family moved to the farm in 1944 and he attended country school 1 ½ miles from home.  Frankfort High School is where he played baseball, ran track and cross country.  Wayne was a successful cross country runner and held the state record.  He graduated in 1953 as valedictorian from Frankfort High School.

Wayne began farming in 1953 on the farm where he would live all of his married life.  Accordion lessons brought them together and he married Carol Duerkop on September 16, 1956.  Three children were born to this union:  Robert, Brenda and Jim.

Wayne proudly served with the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Square dancing was a favorite pastime and he and Carol traveled all over the state participating in dances and festivals. He also enjoyed woodworking and making special projects for his family.

Wayne's greatest love was his family and he enjoyed following all of his grandchildren in their sporting events.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Methodist Men and was a Harmony Township Clerk.

Wayne's life will be cherished by his loving wife, Carol of Frankfort; and his children:  Robert (Lois) Ragatz of Frankfort; Brenda (Zane) Mason of Frankfort and Jim (Rose) Ragatz of Aberdeen, SD.  He is also survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren:  Ryan (Jackie) Ragatz and their children, Cooper and Emmie; Jennifer (Mike) Merron and their children, Teagan and Jackson; Eric (Shayna Koosman) Ragatz; David (Erin) Mason and their children, Madison, Mackenzie, Mercedes, Maverick, and Montana; and Adam (Jennifer) Mason and their son, Nolan.  Wayne's "adopted" grandchildren – Northern State University International students whose host family is Jim and Rose – will also miss him.  His brother, Myron (Charlene) Ragatz; his sister, Norma Ganje and his sister-in-law, Erlene Ragatz, all of Aberdeen, also survive him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dennis.