Obit: Ratsch, Marie H. (1927 - 2013)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Ratsch, Daniels, Pool, Watson

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 29 Apr 2013

Ratsch, Marie H. (3 APR 1927 - 27 APR 2013)

Marie H. Ratsch, age 86, of Neillsville, WI, died on Saturday, April 27, 2013 and the Neillsville Care and Rehabilitation Center.

Marie Hope Daniels was born was born on April 3, 1927 at home in the town of Grant in Clark County, Wisconsin, the daughter of Frederick and Grace (Pool) Daniels. Marie attended Granton Schools and graduated Valedictorian of the class of 1945. She then went to work as a switchboard operator for the telephone company. On September 21, 1946 she was united in marriage to Robert Ratsch at St. John's Lutheran Church in Neillsville. Together they farmed and raised their family in the town of Grant. In 1978 they moved to a smaller farm which they still operate today. Marie loved the farm, especially her cats. She also loved gardening and canning all that she grew and making apple pies. Marie and her friend, Millie Faber spent many hours singing for many different area groups and Nursing Homes throughout the Neillsville and Granton areas. Her church and faith were very important to her and she shared her faith by teaching Sunday School at Living Hope Evangelical Church where she was a member. She also belonged to their Young At Heart Club.

Marie is survived her husband, Robert, 3 sons, Russell (Judy) Ratsch of Neillsville, WI, James (Donna) Ratsch of Los Angeles, CA and Robert (Stacy) Ratsch, Jr. of Sacramento, CA, a daughter-in-law, Lucia Watson of North Foster, RI, 17 Grandchildren and 14 Great Grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Beth Canfield of Granton, WI and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Jeffrey and siblings, Christine Elmhorst, Dorothy Elmhorst, Maurice Daniels and Frederick Daniels.

Funeral services for Marie will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at the Living Hope Evangelical Church in Neillsville. Pastor Steven Wentz will officiate. Providing music will be Kathy Meshnick, organist. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Tuesday morning at the church prior to the service. Interment will be in Neillsville City Cemetery.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. 

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Marie's family with Funeral arrangements.