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

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, Wood County, Wis.) Tuesday, 23 Sept. 2008

Ratsch, Jeffrey Neil (17 Dec. 1955 - 17 Sept. 2008)

NEILLSVILLE -- Jeffrey Neil Ratsch, 52, of Foster, Rhode Island, died Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008.

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.

Jeff was born Dec. 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 a co-valedictorian of the class of 1974.

He furthered his education in Madison at Edgewood College, continuing on to earn a masters degree in social work from UW-Madison. Jeff was united in marriage to Lucia Watson on June 27, 1987. They lived in Madison and later moved to Rhode Island where he pursued his career in counseling.

Survivors include his wife, Lucia Watson of Foster, Rhode Island; and his parents, Robert and Marie Ratsch of Neillsville. He is further survived by his three brothers, Russell (Judy) of Neillsville, James of Los Angeles, Calif., and Robert Jr. (Stacy) of Mather, Calif.; 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 and Lucia's brother, John (Jane) Watson of Houston Texas. Other survivors include numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family. 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 that 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.