Bernard Ratner passed away on April 10 during the first days of Passover.

He grew up in Minnesota with two brothers in the home of well-to-do parents, Max and Bessie Ratner. Nevertheless, like his father, he served his country, this time in World War II as a captain under none other than Gen. George S. Patton.

Ratner won the Purple Heart and Bronze Cross for his bravery.

He came back from the war and enrolled at the University of Minnesota. There, he was active at Hillel on campus, working closely with the rabbi as he earned a business degree.

Ratner went on to a successful career.

At the same time, he immediately became involved in the Jewish community, taking on volunteer positions, and supporting causes and programs. He became the first president of B’nai Brith in St. Paul.

Ratner was known as a family man. He was athletic and well-traveled, but stayed close to his hometown roots. He was a resident of St. Louis Park at the time of his passing.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Pauline; their children, Max, Devora, Mark and Hillary; 17 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren.

A number of their grandchildren serve as Chabad-Lubavitch emissaries in Jewish communities around the world.

Readers are invited to express their condolences or memories of the departed in the Reader Comments box that follows this article.

To provide additional information for this article, or to submit the names and information about other Jewish victims of the coronavirus, please use this form.