Vernon Ratcliff

Vernon Ratcliff, 92, of Webster City, passed away on Friday, August 29, 2025. Visitation will be at Boman Funeral Home (www.bomanfh.com) on Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. The memorial service will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 12, 2025, also at Boman Funeral Home.

Vern was born on June 20, 1933, to Jake and Beulah (Bige) Ratcliff. He graduated from Blairsburg High School in 1951 and went on to attend Eagle Grove Community College, graduating in 1953. After farming with his father, Vern entered the U.S. Army. Following his service, he worked in auto service for Goodyear. In 1968, he moved to Webster City. He later began working for Hamilton County Secondary Roads, until 1987. Vern and his wife, Viola, then owned and operated the Flower Cart and later Trophy’s and More in Webster City for several years. Afterward, he became a rural Postal carrier, until his retirement.

On August 20, 1955, Vern was united in marriage to Viola Fischer in Clarion, Iowa. He was a longtime member of the Church of Christ in Webster City. Vern had a lifelong love of history—especially local history—and was always eager to share his knowledge and stories with others. He was a member of the North Iowa Antique Tractor Club and enjoyed attending tractor shows and collecting tractors, particularly his favorite, the Allis-Chalmers. In 1980, Vern and a friend founded the Doodlebug Club of America, which still meets for a reunion every year in Webster City. He loved tinkering with engines and could get nearly anything running again. Most of all, Vern was proud of his grandchildren and delighted in sharing stories about them.

Vern’s family includes his sons, Roger (Amy) Ratcliff and Randy (Beth) Ratcliff; grandchildren, Brandon (Jessi) Ratcliff, Brad (Sarah) Ratcliff, Brett (Bethanie) Ratcliff, Nicholas (Megan) Ratcliff, Jason Ratcliff, and Amanda (Calvin) Brown; great-grandchildren, Mercedes, Lexy, Berkley, Riggs, Kennedy, Royce, Trace, Ivy, Adler, and Milo; great-great-grandchild, Jasper; brother, Bruce (Barb) Ratcliff; and sister, Linda (Tom) Devitt. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jake and Beulah Ratcliff; and his wife, Viola; sisters Phylis Dohrmann and Caroline Sanders.