Robert H Ratsch

Robert H. Ratsch, age 92, of Neillsville, WI, died on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at the Neillsville Care and Rehabilitation Center.Robert H Ratsch was born on November 21, 1921 in Neillsville, WI the son of Herman and Emma (Nowek) Ratsch. He attended Reed School in Grant Township. On September 21, 1946 he was united in marriage to Marie H. Daniels 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 he still operated today. In addition to farming, Bob also worked full-time as the Maintenance Supervisor for the Neillsville Public Schools from 1967 until his retirement in 1991. Even after his retirement he continued to work at the school on a part-time basis for many years.Bob attended the Living Hope Evangelical Free Church in Neillsville and participated in their Young at Heart group. He enjoyed country-western music, playing guitar and performing in a musical group with his sisters, Anita and Luella.Robert is survived by 3 sons, Russell (Judy) Ratsch of Neillsville, WI, James (Dr. Donna Ames) 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 17 Great Grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Anita Lulloff of Neillsville and sisters-in-law, Irene Ratsch of Abbotsford, WI and Elizabeth Canfield of Granton, WI and many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie, a son, Jeffrey, his parents and sisters, Edna Stefan, Iris Smith and Luella Bragg and brothers, Clarence "Jack" Ratsch, Harold Ratsch and infant brother, Walter Ratsch. Bob was also preceded in death by brothers-in-law, Robert Lulloff, Glen Marden, Carl Stefan, David Bragg and Frederick Daniels and sister-in-law, Dorothy Ratsch.Funeral Services for Robert will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 21, 2014 at the Living Hope Evangelical Church in Neillsville. Pastor Steven Wentz will officiate. Music will be provided by Kathy Meshnick, pianist and David Skiff, soloist. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the Gesche Funeral Home and from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Friday morning at the church. Interment will be in Neillsville City Cemetery.Casket Bearers are: Steve Daniels, Jake Ratsch, Jerry Marden, Stanley Ratsch, Stan Canfield and Ronald Ratsch.Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Robert's family with Funeral arrangements.Funeral Home:Gesche Funeral Home4 South Grand AvenueNeillsville, WIUS 54456