Surnames: Ratsch, Daniels, Watson, Wykoff, Murphy

----Source: Loyal TRG 24 September 2008

Ratsch, Jeffrey N. (17 DEC 1955 - 17 SEP 2008)

Jeffrey Neil Ratsch, 52, Foster, Rhode Island, died on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008. In accordance with his wishes, cremation is taking place. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., on Friday, Oct. 3, at Living Hope Evangelical Free Church, Neillsville.

Jeffrey Neil Ratsch was born on Dec. 17, 1955, in Neillsville, to Robert and Marie (nee 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, he graduated as a 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. He married Lucia Watson on June 27, 1987. They lived in Madison and later moved to Rhode Island where he pursued his career in counseling. With his wife, he had a full life in his adopted New England. He enjoyed the local culture, conta dancing, home improvements, travel, many friends, and long-time companionship of Felix, their cat.

He 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 that he established and operated.

He had 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, Foster, Rhode Island; his parents, Robert and Marie Ratsch, Neillsville; his three brothers, Russell (Judy) Ratsch, Neillsville, James Ratsch, Los Angeles, Calif., and Robert (Stacy) Ratsch Jr., Mather, Calif.; his father-in-law, Robert (Katherine) Watson, Waterville, County Kerry, Ireland; his sisters-in-law, Jane (Jim) Wykoff, Massachusetts, and Martha (Kevin) Murphy, Rhode Island; and his brother-in-law, John (Jane) Watson, Houston, Texas, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family.