James J. Natwick

Natwick, James J.

JAMES J. NATWICK, age 70, of Wisconsin Rapids, WI died Friday, November 24, 2017 at his residence.

This obituary was written by James Natwick prior to his passing.

I grew up in WI Rapids, WI, graduating from Lincoln HS in 1965, lettering in football, wrestling, and track. Mel Laird awarded me an appointment to the Air Force Academy, which I decided to refuse in favor of going to Carroll College, where I graduated with a BS in economics and political science in 1969 and 3 letters in wrestling. In college I was fortunate to meet my wife of 36 years, Celeste Duckworth with whom I had two of the best kids on earth, Sarah and Tad. They have granted me the privilege of getting to know my 5 grandchildren Connor, Meghan, and Annabelle (Sarah), and twins James and Benjamin (Tad). My biggest regret is losing the opportunity to watch and enjoy them grow up. I am confident that they will be fine, successful citizens.

I was drafted out of the UW Law School into the Army for 2 years, achieving the rank of E-5. After graduating from Law school in 1974, I spent most of my career working in Wausau and La Crosse, retiring in 2015 from the Milwaukee firm of Rausch, Sturm, Israel, Enerson and Hornick, of which I am - was- of counsel. After my divorce in 2005, I moved back to WI Rapids, to take care of my parents (Mae - 2008, John - 2012) and to provide statewide legal appearances for my law firm. In the meantime, I was fortunate to meet my new life partner, Kate Simpson. Unfortunately, 9.5 years of fun, planning for retirement, and seeing grandkids was not nearly enough time for us, due to the rare cancer I developed.

I am going to miss fly fishing, woodworking, travel, camping at my pond, bird hunting with my Labradoodle, Maggie and watching my kids be successful in their careers while raising my wonderful grandkids. As an aside, I note that I am the last Natwick to reside (continually) in Wood county since about 1850.

My survivors include my daughter Sarah Duncan of Austin TX (Josh), kids Connor, Meghan, and Annabelle; my son James Tad Natwick of Chicago, IL (Elizabeth), kids James and Benjamin; my dear friend and life partner, Kate Simpson of WI Rapids, WI; Sisters Nancy Fey (Jim) of Silver Spring, MD; Betty Shaffer (Alan) of West Chester, PA; Jill Constantino (Frank) of Marlton, NJ, and various nieces, nephews and their families.

Generally, I feel I have lived a good and productive life, helping many people along the way in my career, including being president of Wausau Rotary, on the board of Wausau Hospitals, Wausau's United Way Board of Directors and on the Supreme Court's attorney investigation committee. But if nothing else, raising 2 wonderful and successful children has been the greatest and most satisfactory feat of my life. I pray that they are as fortunate. And maybe there is a wonderful trout stream that needs me to fish it.

Any memorials may be sent to the South Wood County Historical Museum, 540 3rd. St., WI Rapids WI, 54494