Ratterman Funeral Home

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 1902, John B. Ratterman, son of George took over the business at the age of 24. He married Lillian Ackerman in 1904 and together they had 12 children consisting of ten boys and two girls. They moved into the Ackerman home at 2114 West Market Street in 1914. Here the family moved to the upper floors and turned the first floor into the first real "Home for funerals" in the city of Louisville. Having funerals in a specific "home for funerals" was a new concept for those times since most funerals were held at the home of the deceased. The shift happened mainly due to changing social norms, although up until World War II, some families still preferred the deceased to be returned to the home for visitation, wake and funeral.

Eventually John B. Ratterman paired up his sons to open other funeral home locations 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 the 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 1974 expanded to Cane Run Road.

The fourth generation of Rattermans' now owns and operates these six Louisville locations. They, along with the fifth generation, care for families with the same dedication and commitment that that has been our hallmark for over 140 years.

Ours is a tradition of service.