John Ralph Ratka, enduringly known as "Uncle Johnny" was a former Set-up Man at Sloan Folding Box, in Sloan, New York. John passed away peacefully at Garden Gate Health Care Facility, in Cheektowaga, New York, early on the morning of July 6, 2015, at the age of 93.

He was the beloved son of the late Pearl (nee Lawniczak) Cieslak and brother of Michael (Rosemarie) Cieslak, Stanley (Lorraine) Cieslak, Pearl (Arthur) Lariviere, Edward (Dorothy) Cieslak and late Ceil (late Stanley) Lawn, late Mary (late Edward) Lewandowski, late Francis (late Dorothy) Cieslak and late Ann (Robert) Betlewicz.

John was the dearest cousin of the late Lottie Wiertel and his second family, the late Leon (late Joan) Wiertel and Frank Wiertel (Pauline Malczewski), Maryanne (Charles) Soponski, Tammy, Paul, Shaughn and Mary Irving, Carrie, Martin K, Marty C, Hunter and Alejandra Bielat. He was also survived by many nieces and nephews.

John was a World War II, Army Veteran and served with the 855th Coast Artillery Brigade from 1942 till 1946. He was the recipient of the Meritorius Unit Award, American Theater Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Victory Megal and Good Conduct Medal while serving as a Cannoneer and Ammunition Handler.

Military Graveside Services were held privately at St. Matthew's Cemetery, in West Seneca, New York.