In the 1850`s the Ratterman family emigrated from Germany. Several of the Ratterman brothers settled in Cincinnati, while others continued down the Ohio River to Louisville. Two brothers, George and Herman, settled near 8th and Green Streets. They established, in 1864, an undertaking business at 11th and Market streets, named G & H Ratterman; Carpenters and Makers of fine coffins.
In the mid 1800’s George and Herman Ratterman added “undertaking” to their fine furniture and coffin business located in downtown Louisville. The bustling river town was a proud crown jewel of Kentucky; known then as the “Athens of the West” for its Architectured town halls, schools of higher learning and established gentry. Deceased family members were taken home in their caskets for family and friends to gather together and “wake”.
George’s son, John B. Ratterman, succeeded in the business, and transformed the entire first floor of his home into a parlored “home for funerals” in 1929. The entire city could be served from a simple downtown location. It was Louisville’s first so dedicated professional funeral space. Six of John’s sons succeeded him in the business and each succeeding generation to the present has contributed additional members.
Eventually John B, Ratterman paired up his sons to open other funeral home location in Louisville. Lexington Road was the first in 1939. It was operated by John Jr. and Carl Ratterman. In 1947 Joe and Cletus Ratterman opened Fourth Street location, and in 1977, they expanded to the Southside Drive location. In 1963 Emmett and Oscar Ratterman opened a funeral home on Bardstown Road, and then, in 1947 expanded to Cane Run Road.
The fourth generation of Rattermans` now own and operate these six Louisville locations. They, along with the fifth generation, care for Louisville families with the same dedication and commitment that has always been our hallmark for over 140 years.
Giving dignity to man through faith, community and the funeral profession is a Ratterman Tradition.
Ratterman family names
George P. Ratterman
Herman Ratterman
John B. Ratterman, Sr.
Edward Ratterman
Phillip J. Ratterman
Oscar S. Ratterman
John B. Ratterman, Jr.
Carl B. Ratterman, Sr.
Emmett A. Ratterman, Sr.
Cletus A. Ratterman
Joseph E. Ratterman, Sr.
Emmett A. Ratterman, Jr.
Joseph E. Ratterman, Jr.
Carl B. Ratterman, Jr.
James A. Ratterman
Patricia A. Ratterman
Thomas S. Ratterman
George P. Ratterman
J. Alexander Ratterman, Jr.
Joseph E. Ratterman, III
Michael R. Ratterman
Theresa Louise Hardy Ratterman
Ryan S. Ratterman
In the mid 1800’s George and Herman Ratterman added “undertaking” to their fine furniture and coffin business located in downtown Louisville. The bustling river town was a proud crown jewel of Kentucky; known then as the “Athens of the West” for its Architectured town halls, schools of higher learning and established gentry. Deceased family members were taken home in their caskets for family and friends to gather together and “wake”.
George’s son, John B. Ratterman, succeeded in the business, and transformed the entire first floor of his home into a parlored “home for funerals” in 1929. The entire city could be served from a simple downtown location. It was Louisville’s first so dedicated professional funeral space. Six of John’s sons succeeded him in the business and each succeeding generation to the present has contributed additional members.
Eventually John B, Ratterman paired up his sons to open other funeral home location in Louisville. Lexington Road was the first in 1939. It was operated by John Jr. and Carl Ratterman. In 1947 Joe and Cletus Ratterman opened Fourth Street location, and in 1977, they expanded to the Southside Drive location. In 1963 Emmett and Oscar Ratterman opened a funeral home on Bardstown Road, and then, in 1947 expanded to Cane Run Road.
The fourth generation of Rattermans` now own and operate these six Louisville locations. They, along with the fifth generation, care for Louisville families with the same dedication and commitment that has always been our hallmark for over 140 years.
Giving dignity to man through faith, community and the funeral profession is a Ratterman Tradition.
Ratterman family names
George P. Ratterman
Herman Ratterman
John B. Ratterman, Sr.
Edward Ratterman
Phillip J. Ratterman
Oscar S. Ratterman
John B. Ratterman, Jr.
Carl B. Ratterman, Sr.
Emmett A. Ratterman, Sr.
Cletus A. Ratterman
Joseph E. Ratterman, Sr.
Emmett A. Ratterman, Jr.
Joseph E. Ratterman, Jr.
Carl B. Ratterman, Jr.
James A. Ratterman
Patricia A. Ratterman
Thomas S. Ratterman
George P. Ratterman
J. Alexander Ratterman, Jr.
Joseph E. Ratterman, III
Michael R. Ratterman
Theresa Louise Hardy Ratterman
Ryan S. Ratterman
History
