Willy Ratigan

William "Willy" Ratigan, 32 of Bismarck passed away September 17, 2025.

A memorial service will be at 11:00AM, Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Bismarck Community Church, 1617 Michigan Ave, Bismarck, ND.

Willy was born in Idaho on October 24th, 1992, and raised in Orlando, Florida for most of his childhood. Growing up he started in little league with Coach Craig coaching him. He went on to love baseball, playing until he moved to Bismarck, ND. As a kid his family took turns nightly cooking meals for the family which started his love of cooking and food.

His niece Jayda Lea Ratigan was born was born in November of 2008 and Willy instantly fell in love with her. This began his love for all children. There wasn’t a child that knew Willy that didn’t feel like the best person in the room.

In 2008 the Ratigan’s moved to North Dakota. Willy quickly made many friends wherever he went. Since Willy was young, he had a love for music. He loved all types of music from rock ‘n roll to bluegrass and he was even known to get down on some pop music. He spent many summers at concerts and music festivals. Spending time with his friends was one of the things he loved most. He had the best group of friends that continued through the years, and we are grateful for the love they have shown him.

Willy met Kati in 2012, and they quickly fell in love and created a bond that was unbreakable. They were married in the most beautiful ceremony in Red Lodge, Montana in 2021. In 2023 they found out they were going to have a son. Their precious baby Liam was born in April of 2024 and quickly changed everything about their lives.

Willy loved Liam more than words can ever describe. Kati and Willy would often lay in bed at night just staring at him smiling and talking about how much they loved him. Along with Kati and Liam, Willy fiercely loved his family. He had an indescribable bond with them. He always told his Dad, Bill, he was his best friend. His sister, Carrie, was also a constant in his life. I think there were very few days when the two of them didn’t talk on the phone. Carrie has called Willy Awa since she was young. He always was able to confide in his mom, Debbie, and talk about anything with her. His brother, Robbie, was also a big part of his life. They were always up to some sort of shenanigans. Losing Willy is a profound loss for everyone but especially Kati and Liam and his family. There won’t be a day that goes by that they don’t long for him.

Willy is survived by his wife Kati and son Liam; Parents Bill and Debbie; Sister Carrie and her fiancé Jose; His brother Robbie; Sister Diane; His nieces Jayda, Audrey, Bella, and Mila; His nephew Elijah; His grandfather Ted Ratigan; His grandmother Cecilia Hargreaves; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Tom and Sharlene Ault; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Tony and Sara Mitterling and Andy and Aimee Ault; grandparents-in-law, Al and Linda Ault and many other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his Grandma Ratigan (Clarine) and many dogs that he had a great love for.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate blood in Willys honor. All other memorials will be directed to the financial future of his son, Liam, and can be given via a GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/7fbfe4aa8