George J. Radtke

George J. Radtke, age 98, Wausau, died Monday, April 22, 2013 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Harmony Terrace, Wausau. He was born January 24, 1915 in Merrill, son of the late Stephen and Anastasia "Lena" (Walenczyk) Radtke. On June 18, 1949 he married Marion Kittilstad in Eau Claire. She preceded him in death on November 5, 2011. George graduated from Wausau High School in 1933 and attended the Wausau Vocational School for one year where he studied business management. He served his country in the United States Army serving in Panama during World War II protecting the Panama Canal. George was the owner and operator of Radtke's Standard Service for many years. Prior to his retirement in 1987 he worked for Bob Johnson's Chevrolet. He was a member of the American Legion Montgomery Plant Post No. 10, Wausau, the Third Degree Knights of Columbus George Schreier Council No. 1069, Wausau and Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Pere Rene Menard General Assembly, Wausau. George was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He had an outgoing personality and could engage anyone in meaningful conversation. He had a strong work ethic and was a very successful businessman. George was an avid Green Bay Packer's and Milwaukee Brewer's fan and especially enjoyed attending his grandson's sporting events. During his retirement George loved to volunteer for the Wausau Timber's Minor League Baseball team at Athletic Park and at St. Michael's Church. He also enjoyed many rounds of golf at the American Legion Golf Course and played darts at St. Michael's. George and Marion enjoyed family time at the Beacon's on Lake Minocqua and traveled throughout North America and Europe. Survivors include his daughter, Mary (Don Baur) Radtke-Baur, Wausau; grandson, Jordan Baur, Wausau; and two sisters, Lorraine (Bud) Juedes, Wausau and Dorothy Blanchard, Rockville, Maryland. Besides his parents and wife, Marion, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Mark, son, Bill, and three sisters, Delores Hanke, Eleanore VanDenk and Mary Ann Sherfinski. Funeral service will be 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 26, 2013 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau. Rev. William Grevatch will officiate. Friends may call Friday from 4:30 p.m. until the time of services all at the Stewart Avenue funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com George's family would like to thank the staff at Harmony Terrace and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for their compassion and care given to George.