Neil Michael Edwin Rataczak

Neil M. Rataczak

July 20, 1969 - Dec. 24, 2023

MADISON - Neil Michael Edwin Rataczak, died Sunday, December 24, 2023, in Madison, WI. Neil was born on July 20, 1969, in Madison, WI, to Russell and Sandra Rataczak.

While Russell was in the waiting room waiting for his first child to be born, he watched the first astronauts land on the moon and Neil was named after those three astronauts, Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin. Neil attended school in Columbus and Cambria, WI, where he excelled as a wide receiver for the football team.

After high school he entered into the I.T. trade, he also married and had a son during this time in his life. Neil previously had a daughter from a different relationship.

Later in his life he attended college where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree. Neil had struggles in his life and always desired to make amends, but unfortunately his old life kept pulling him back. Even the loss of his sister, whom he loved dearly, and heart problems could not break his addiction. His heart sadly gave out, and he will be forever missed by the ones who loved him.

Neil is survived by his mother, Sandra Rataczak; his children: Elizabeth and Derek; three grandchildren; brother, Barry Rataczak; sister, Kimberly Rataczak; and many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Neil was preceded in death by his father, Russell E. Rataczak, Jr.; sister, Cortney Lynn Rataczak; his grandparents; his best friend, Chad Roundy; and his very close cousin, Traci Rataczak.

Neil's wishes were to be cremated and privately laid to rest by his father and sister.