Clark County Press, Neillsville, WI

January 21, 2009, Page 2

Transcribed by Dolores Mohr Kenyon

Not difficult to see what Ratsch

Engineering has done the last 30 years

Russell Ratsch, owner of Neillsville’s Ratsch Engineering, poses next to designs at his Hewett Street business. Ratsch Engineering was recognized by the Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce for being an area business for 30 years.  (Photo by Peter Spicer/Clark County Press)

By Peter Spicer

Whether it is the Sniteman Town Square Gazebo or the Neillsville School District, Ratsch Engineering’s 30 years of work is viewed throughout the community.

The Neillsville Area Chamber or Commerce recognized Ratsch Engineering for its 30 years of business in the community at a Saturday Banquet held at the American Legion Post 73.

Russell Ratsch, a 1967 Neillsville High School graduate, founded Ratsch Engineering in 1978.  He was previously a draftsman and estimator at Gaier Construction Corporation in Black River Falls until he obtained his engineering license in 1976.  Ratsch’s first client was his former employer, Gaier Construction Corporation.

Ratsch started his business with his wife, Judy, from their Neillsville home but moved the business into Hewett Common in downtown Neillsville in 1984, where they shared a building with several other businesses.

Ratsch then moved his business from Hewett Common to its current location, 547 Hewett Street, in 1989.

Ratsch Engineering produces construction documents, obtains state approval and observes the construction project for the industrial and commercial businesses that hire them.

Many of Neillsville’s buildings were designed by Ratsch Engineering, including all, or parts of, Neillsville’s Gross Motors, the Clark County Fairgrounds multi-purpose building, Citizen’s State Bank, M & I Bank and the Neillsville Public Library.

Ratsch Engineering has also completed work for the Neillsville and Loyal school districts.

Much of the work on schools was completed from the mid-1990s until 2000, said Ratsch.

Public buildings, churches and fire stations are common projects for Ratsch Engineering.

“We’ve done a lot of fire stations,” explained Ratsch, who added he designed many bathroom and shower facilities for many of the county’s parks.

Ratsch Engineering is currently involved with many projects, including an Abbotsford public safety building, and it may soon start completing preliminary design work on a Clark County Sheriff’s Department evidence storage building.

Although most of Ratsch Engineering projects take place within a 50-mile radius, they have completed projects from northern Michigan down to Milton in southern Wisconsin.

Ratsch credits Ratsch Engineering Vice president Henry Berry, a registered engineer, and designer Adam Marciniak for their hard work.

As a Neillsville resident Ratsch enjoys the trust area residents have for his business and the trust he has in them.

“It’s my hometown,” explained Ratsch.  “We know our clients.”

Neillsville was a great place to raise three kids, who are “all doing well” following their ambitions, said Ratsch, who credits the Neillsville Public School system for not only providing business for Ratsch Engineering but also for educating kids and giving them a “good, solid start.”

After 30 years in Neillsville, Ratsch said he has appreciated and enjoyed the support of the community throughout the years.