Richard H. Ratz, 61, of West Bend, played his last song on Saturday, October 4, 2014 at Aurora Medical Center - Summit.
He was born on July 9, 1953 to the late Edward and Bernice (nee Hochtritt) Ratz in Milwaukee. He attended Hamilton High School. He worked with his father as a mechanic for many years. He met Debra Hanson and was married on December 23, 1978. He then became a trucker starting locally, and then going over the road for 35 years. They had four children together with whom he loved with all his heart. He enjoyed taking the children hunting, camping trips, playing in "their band" and hiking. He loved the outdoors, if there was something to do outside, that's where he would be. His passions were music, golf, and bowling. He golfed regularly with his brothers and friends. When he would pick up his guitar or drumsticks the world looked perfect to him. Music made his life make sense and he shared this with everyone he knew. Richard could tell a story and make you feel as though you were there. His character and sense of humor made him very unique. He was a loving, patient kind of man and touched the lives of everyone he met, even for a brief second. He truly was an angel on earth as he is now in heaven. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.
He is survived by his four children, Lisa (fiancAC. Travis) Ratz, Angela (Raymond) Wagner, William (Randi Ruppert) Ratz, and Cassandra Ratz; nine grandchildren, Valerie Zurn, Dylan Kaemmerer, Aiden Koerber, Damien Wilkens, Bradley Wilkens, Kaedyn Grechas, Kealeigh Willett, Jayden Willett, and Dominic Wagner; two sisters, Darlene (Eugene) Heinzen and Debra (Tim) Lowery; three brothers, Steven Ratz, Dale Ratz, and Gregory (Susan) Ratz; four nieces and nephews, Hunter Heinzen, Ashley Lowery, Sara (Michael) Mueller, and Maria Ratz; two great-nephews, Grayson Mueller and Emerson Mueller; other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Ronald Ratz and David Ratz; and aunt, Gerda Colonno.
Memorial services in remembrance of Richard will be held on Friday, October 10 at 6:00pm at the Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home, 1315 Washington St., West Bend. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 pm until the time of service.
Memorial to the family are appreciated