Agnes Ratajczak

Agnes Leona Fier was born September 25, 1941, to Walter and Josephine “Josie” (Gawerecki) Fier. She graduated from Minneota High School in 1959. She worked for Woolworths in Marshall from 1960-1964.

She married Henry “Hank” Ratajczak on September 12, 1964, and they made their home in St. Louis Park, MN, then Moorhead, MN and managed an apartment building. When they settled in Fargo, Agnes transitioned into the role of mother, staying home to care for Curt and Kelley. On weekends, however, she played accordion and organ in the band she and Hank started, “The Dusters.” From 1970 to 1985, they played for wedding dances, the VFW, and Eagles, among others.

Agnes and Hank moved to Big Cormorant Lake and lived there until 2017, when they transitioned to life at Touchmark in Fargo where she enjoyed playing Bingo and Rummikub with the ladies.

Left to remember her are her children Curt (Kelly) Ratajczak and Kelley (Dan) Lenertz; grandchildren, Ashley (Nick) Evans, Jake Lenertz, Christopher (Ellyssa) Ratajczak, and Josh (Tyra) Lenertz; and great-grandchild, Brooks Evans.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Hank Ratajczak; daughter, Tammy Jo; and parents.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ethos Hospice.