Gatis Kraucis, age 47, of Ridgeland, WI, passed away unexpectedly on May 7, 2025, at the University of Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis, MN.

Gatis was born in Jelgava, Latvia, on March 10, 1978, to Edvins Kraucis and Velta Evelone, both of Latvia. He graduated high school at age 15 and went on to attend Riga Technical University, where he studied Electrical Engineering. At 18, Gatis joined a two-year agricultural exchange program between Latvia and the United States. During that time, he worked on several farms across Minnesota and Wisconsin, ultimately finishing the program at Jerland Farms in Barron, WI.

He returned to the U.S. shortly after on a student visa and completed the Diesel Mechanics program at WITC in New Richmond, WI. Near the end of his studies, he met his best friend and future wife, Jennifer (Shipley) Kraucis, in Ridgeland. On July 7, 2000, within weeks of meeting, they were married at the Dunn Country Courthouse in Menomonie, WI. They lived briefly in Roseville, MN, and Menomonie, while Jen completed college, before settling in Ridgeland in September 2002, where they became deeply rooted in the community. Jen and their 11-year-old son, Lainis, were Gatis’s whole world.

Those who knew Gatis understood his unwavering commitment to his family and his work. A hardworking man who often spent more time in his shop than asleep, he rarely missed “Shop Time”—the 2–4 hours each evening that he and Lainis shared. This time was devoted solely to the two of them—bonding over music, movement, private conversations, skill-building, and, most importantly, the life lessons only a father can teach his son.

Gatis spent the rest of his precious free time helping those he loved, connecting with family, hanging out at his in-laws’ farm, staying in touch with loved ones in Latvia, gardening, and refining his incredible talent for fixing anything. His dry wit, quirky quotes, and deep, quiet thoughtfulness brought smiles and inspiration to many. He was a silent advocate for kindness, connection, and love in a world that often lacked them. Only those who truly knew him could grasp the depth of his abilities and the breadth of his influence.

Gatis is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Jenny, and their cherished son, Lainis, both of Ridgeland. He is also survived by his mother, Velta Evelone; father, Edvins Kraucis (Margarita); and stepfather, Oskars Evelons; his loving siblings include Artis Kraucis, Liga (Charles) Clarke, Edgars (Liene) Evelons, Ritvars (Eva) Evelons, Ainars (Diana) Kraucis, and Dainis Kraucis; as well as his grandmother, Maiga Lucava—all of Latvia. He is also survived by his father-and mother-in-law, Douglas and Rita Shipley of Ridgeland; sister-in-law, Jarita (Mark) Roux of Barron; brother-in-law, Jason Shipley of Ridgeland; and his many treasured nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, and friends in both countries.

Gatis was preceded in death by his grandfather, Antons Lazdans and his grandmother, Birute Tolle.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Doug and Rita Shipley farm at N13490 665th Street, Ridgeland. A short ceremony will begin at 1:00 PM.

Last Update: May 13, 2025 12:53 pm CDT