Surnames: Ratsch, Daniels, Zoutendam, Watson, Wykoff, Murphy

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI.) September 24, 2008

Ratsch, Jeffrey Neil (17 December 1955 - 17 September 2008)

Jeffrey Neil Ratsch, 52, of Foster, RI, died Wednesday, September 17, 2008.

Jeff was born December 17, 1955, at Neillsville to Robert and Marie (Daniels) Ratsch. The third born in a family of four sons, he grew up on the family farm close to his cousins and attended Neillsville Public Schools. Along with David Zoutendam, Jeff graduated as co-valedictorian of the class of 1974.

He furthered his education in Madison at Edgewood College, continuing on to earn a master’s degree in social work from UW-Madison.

Jeff was united in marriage to Lucia Watson June 27, 1987. They lived in Madison and later moved to Rhode Island where he pursued his career in counseling.

With Lucia, Jeff had a full life in his adopted New England. He enjoyed the local culture, contra dancing, home improvements, travel, many friends and the long-time companionship of Felix, their cat.

Jeff maintained ties with his Wisconsin roots, returning periodically to visit family and to confer with the Clark County Amish artisans, who supplied an Internet marketing business Jeff established and operated.

Jeff was a thoughtful and caring man who helped others in both his professional and personal lives. He will be missed.

Survivors include his wife, Lucia Watson of Foster, RI; his parents, Robert and Marie Ratsch of Neillsville; three brothers, Russell (Judy) of Neillsville, James of Los Angeles, CA, and Robert Jr. (Stacy) of Mather, CA; Lucia’s father, Robert (Kathleen) Watson of Waterville, County Kerry, Ireland; Lucia’s sisters, Jane (Jim) Wykoff of Massachusetts, Martha (Kevin) Murphy of Rhode Island; Lucia’s brother, John (Jane) Watson of Houston, TX; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family.

In accordance with Jeff’s wishes, cremation is taking place. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at Living Hope Evangelical Free Church in Neillsville.