Jeff Thatcher Healy

Hudson, WI – Jeffry T. Healy, a proud father, grandfather, and celebrated athlete, passed away on September 11th, 2026, at the age of 73.

Born on March 13, 1953, Jeff grew up in Clear Lake, Wisconsin, where sports and community became the foundation of his life. A standout athlete, Jeff excelled on the basketball court, earning All-Northwest honors and a spot in Wisconsin's elite prep athletes 1,000-point career scoring club, long before the 3-point shot was introduced to high school basketball.

His athletic journey continued at the college level, where he proudly wore the navy and gold as a forward for the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Blugolds men's basketball team from 1971 to 1975. Jeff also spent time on the Blugold football roster. Following his graduation, Jeff transitioned his deep knowledge of the game into mentorship, becoming the head boys' basketball coach at Wautoma High School. After capturing a Central Wisconsin Conference title in 1979, Coach Healy etched his name permanently into Wautoma sports history when he masterfully guided the Wautoma Hornets to the Class B State Championship victory. Decades later, his former players still talk about the profound impact "Coach" had on their lives, remembering him not just for the historic golden ball trophy, but for his character and sportsmanship.

Beyond his storied sports career, Jeff was a lifelong, passionate fan of Wisconsin athletics, especially his beloved Green Bay Packers. He loved nothing more than spending game days at the Johannsen household, cheering on his team and dancing the Polka with Amy.

Though his achievements on the court and the sidelines were grand, his greatest joy and ultimate pride was his family. He was a loving father, a proud grandfather, and a great friend. Anyone who knew Jeff cherished his sense of humor and larger than life personality.

Jeff is survived by his loving children, Jori (Cory) Litzner and Marquel (Justin) Lettenberger; his brother, Steve (Janice) Healy; his nieces, Heather Jacobs, Tere Servent, Stephanie (Ron) Bishop, and Megan (Jason) Wolsey; his nephew Taylor Servent; and his grandchildren, Kyliegh Litzner, Savannah Litzner, Emerson Litzner, Cameron Litzner, Taytum Lettenberger, and Hudson Lettenberger. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred T. Healy and Jim W. Healy; his beloved granddaughters, Aspen Jeffry and Lennon Raye Litzner; and his nephew, Brian Healy.

A celebration of life and a time for sharing memories will be held on Monday, November 23rd, 2026, from 1-3pm, at the O’Connell Funeral Home in Hudson, WI. Light refreshments will be provided. In honor of Jeff’s lifelong love for the Packers, guests are encouraged to wear their best green and gold. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the American Diabetes Association, or to the discretion of the family, in Jeff's memory.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at The Falls Comforts of Home—with special thanks to Director Lauren Kasten-McNurlin—for the incredible compassion, care, and support provided throughout his time there, and most especially during his final days.

Arrangements are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of River Falls. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-425-5644.