James P. Gautsch

James (Jim) Gautsch died March 21 at Ridgewood Care Center following a long illness. Jim was born March 25, 1941 in LaCrosse, WI, to Julius and Margaret (Rowan) Gautsch.

He graduated from Aquinas High School and later the University of Missouri in Columbia where he majored in food service management.  As director of food and nutrition he was employed at St. Mary's Hospital in Racine, Proctor Hospital in Peoria, IL, and Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, WI.  Jim had been a member of the Franciscan Brothers in Eureka, MO, before he left them and moved to Racine where he met his wife, Kay Troestler; they married September 2, 1972.

Jim has belonged to St. Paul the Apostle Church since moving back to Racine in 2009 and he enjoyed singing in the choir.  Being surrounded by friends and family, gardening, cooking, music, researching his family genealogy and traveling were among his many interests.  But most of all he loved his family. He was especially proud of his daughters and sons-in-law and loved being a Grandpa.  He will be remembered for his sense of humor, friendliness, optimism, generosity.

Survivors include his wife, Kay; daughters, Laura Gautsch (Russ Blacklock) of Baltimore, MD, and Julie (Mike) Daza and grandsons, Michael and Alex Daza of Washington, DC; brothers, Tom, Phil (Darlene) and Joe (Barb) Gautsch; sisters, Therese Gautsch and Catherine Desmond.  Jim is also survived by a sister-in-law, Susan Anderson; brothers-in-law, James (Robie) Troestler and Thomas Troestler; many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Michael (Ellen Ristow) Gautsch; sister, Mary Ann (Jack) Melloh); brother-in-law, Jack Desmond; and sister-in-law, Vi Gautsch.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at 11 a.m., with visitation at the church prior to the service beginning at 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Alzheimer's Association or American Cancer Society are suggested.

We are grateful for the support of many friends and relatives during these last few months. Special thanks to Dr. Mullane and his staff, whose skills and care guided our three-year journey with cancer.  Thanks also to the entire staff at Ridgewood Care Center for their cheerfulness and compassionate care during Jim's time with them.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine    (262) 634-7888