Obituaries

RENEE MARIE RADTKE

      The angels arrived for me just before 5 a.m., on Friday, May 5, 2017, while at home surrounded by my loving family after losing my battle to damn cancer.

I was newly 58, born on April 16, 1959, in Burlington, to Elmer and Rose (Bralick) Hegemann. We moved to Conover when I was 2 years old, where I graduated from Northland Pines High School in 1977.

Not long after that, I traveled southeast and met my very best friend, David Radtke. We were married on Aug. 30, 1980, at St. Mary’s in Peshtigo and have resided here since.

I worked for the Peshtigo National Bank for 17+ years in the bookkeeping department, but left due to my illness in March 2015. Prior to that, I worked at the Peshtigo School District and Peshtigo State Bank, taking time off in between to raise my babies. I will miss my wonderful coworkers, past and present, dear friends and neighbors who have given me such wonderful support, prayers and love. They were always there for me.

I enjoyed doing so many things, but laughing was my favorite. Comedy, practical jokes and humor would take my breath away. I enjoyed all with a sense of humor. Even when you couldn’t see the smile on my face anymore, I carried laughter in my heart. I also loved Wisconsin college and pro sports – football, basketball, baseball and hockey; my flower gardens and pond; bird watching; fishing; Sudoku and crossword puzzles; and a little Candy Crush on the side.

My children are my greatest accomplishment and I am so proud of them. College, wonderful jobs, and being totally self-sufficient bring me comfort in knowing that they will do well after I’m gone. But as a mom, I will still be watching over them. So behave!

I am survived by my loving husband, Dave; sons, Ryan Radtke (fiancée, Jess Griswold), Appleton, and Ross Radtke (special friend, Mariah Smith and granddog, Brewer), Wisconsin Rapids; daughter, Heather Rose Radtke, Milwaukee; brothers, John (Kathleen) Hegemann, Citrus Heights, Calif., Paul (Mary) Hegemann, Green Bay, Dennis (Janis) Hegemann, Sparks, Nev., and Thom (Donna) Hegemann, Pahrump, Nev.; sister, Joyce (Gene) Ludtke, Eagle River; sister-in-law, Linda Ganter, Marinette; brother-in-law, Gary (Mary) Radtke, Peshtigo; Mike (friend Maryanne) Zaloudek, Ft Collins, Colo.; and nephews and nieces.

I was preceded in death by my parents; nephew, Kelly Hegemann; great niece, Riley Ludtke; mother and father-in-law, Clarence and Lenore Radtke; sisters-in-law, Judy Hegemann, Cindy Hegemann, Susie Radtke, Janis Zaloudek; and brother-in-law, Jim Ganter.

My family will receive friends and family at Berth and Rosenthal Funeral Home on Saturday, May 13, from 11 a.m., until a brief memorial service at 2 p.m., officiated by Deacon Chuck Schumacher. I express that all come casual – no suits allowed!

A special thank you to Dr. Halaweh and his angels, Tracy, Lisa, Patty, Lisa, Deb, Kate, and Amanda for all their support, kindness and love. You’ve made my illness more bearable and my life full of admiration of what they do for others.

“If today a smile should appear on your face, it’s because at this very minute, I am thinking of you and I am smiling too.”

Well-wishers can visit www.myracinecounty.com.

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