Gerald "Jerry" Radtke

Gerald “Jerry” Radtke, age 77, of Appleton, formerly of the Correll area, died Saturday, September 19, 2020, in Appleton Area Health –Care Center.  Visitation will be held from Noon-1 p.m., followed by the memorial service at 1 p.m., Thursday, September 24, 2020, at Appleton City Cemetery.  Pastor John Ramsbacher will officiate.  Social distancing guidelines will be observed.  Please bring a lawn chair.

Gerald James Radtke was born June 16, 1943 in Ortonville, Minnesota, the son of Gerald C. and Florence (Ell) Radtke.  He was baptized July 11, 1943 by Rev. Geirke and was confirmed in 1957 by Rev. Mack, both at Grace Lutheran Church in Correll.  Jerry was raised in the Correll area and attended Appleton High School, where he graduated, Class of 1961.  After high school he enrolled at Concordia University-Moorhead.

On May 11, 1963 Jerry was united in marriage to Kathryn A. Gronholz by Rev. Paul Priez at Trinity Lutheran Church in Appleton.  This union was blessed with over 57 years together and four children: Dawn, James, Gary, and Becky.  Jerry enlisted in the United States Army from 1963 to 1966.  During this time he was stationed in Korea for 13 months.

Over the years Jerry worked for Delano Granite in Odessa, Appleton Sugar Beets, Heinecke and Sons Implement in Appleton and he also farmed in the Correll area for many years.  He was a member of the American Legion and V.F.W., was a past-Sunday School Superintendent and Elder at Grace Lutheran Church, and was a past member of the bowling league in Appleton.  Jerry enjoyed collecting farm toys and was an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins and Vikings.

Jerry passed away Saturday, September 19, 2020, in Appleton Area Health –Care Center.  He attained 77 years, 3 months, and 3 days of age.  Jerry is survived by his wife, Kathy Radtke of Appleton; children: Dawn Radtke of Morris, James (fiancée, Sheila) Radtke of Alexandria; Gary Radtke of Nelson, and Becky (Steven) Christie of Mocksville, NC; nine grandchildren: Megan Glimsdal, Jeremy Radtke, Courtney Christie, Jacob Radtke, Leah Glimsdal, Ashley Radtke, MaKayla Radtke, Garek Radtke, and Ethan Christie; five great-grandhildren: Eric Spehr, Samantha Glimsdal, Ava Dahle, Logan Shelton, and Leif Dahle; brothers-in-law: Mike Brustuen of Litchfield and Dave (Marlene) Gronholz of Appleton; sister-in-law, Debbie (JC) Smith of Sarasota, FL; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald C. and Florence Radtke; sisters: Geraldine Radtke (in infancy) and Sandra Brustuen; his parents-in-law, Wilbert and Leona Gronholz; and a brother-in-law, Dennis Gronholz.

Blessed be the memory of Gerald James Radtke.