Henry Radtke

Henry "Hank" Radtke will be remembered as a dependable hard working man who loved taking care of his family and neighbors. Known in the neighborhood as "Mr. Green Jeans," Hank was always available to help, fix, build, plow or mow. Meticulous and organized, Hank even kept track of his yearly deer hunting success since 1956 totaling 80 deer (51 with gun/muzzleloader and 29 with a bow).

He was born July 30, 1940, in the town of Maine to the late Carl and Amanda (Fabarius) Radtke. He graduated from Wausau Senior High School and served in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1965, earning the Good Conduct medal and Sharpshooter medal. He enlisted in the Army Reserve and was honorably discharged in 1969. While in the service, Hank married Elaine Dietsche on June 13, 1964, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Wausau. While raising three children in their town of Maine home, Hank worked as a machine tender at Wausau Papers, retiring after 40 years of service. Hank was an active member at Our Savior's where he served on the Building and Grounds Committee and was a past member of the Board of Education. Hank had many varied interests including vegetable gardening, hunting, walleye fishing, snowmobiling, sausage making, splitting firewood and driving his Kubota tractor.

At the age of 71, Hank passed away Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Henry is survived by his wife, Elaine, town of Maine; two sons, Anthony "Tony" (Julie) Radtke of Sherwood and their children, Sam, Joey and Jillian, and Randy (Kerri) Radtke of Wausau and their children, Nicole, Brittney, and Brooklynn; one daughter, Lois (Charles) Sanders of Wausau and their children, Chase and Michi; one sister, Margaret Wilde of Wausau; two nieces; and his dog, Beauty.

Hank was further preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Edward Wilde.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 23, 2011, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Wausau. The Rev. Robert Edwards will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, town of Maine, with full military rites conducted by American Legion Montgomery-Plant Post No. 10.

We welcome family and friends to bring their favorite pictures of Hank during visiting hours to share and remember.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. today at the Helke Funeral Home, Wausau, and from 9 a.m. until the time of services Friday at the church.

Memorials may be directed to Our Savior Lutheran Church, 703 Fleith St., Wausau, WI 54401; or Northland Lutheran High School, 2107 Tower Road, Mosinee, WI 54455.

We would like to thank the staff on the Aspirus Oncology Unit, Dr. Rezazadeh, Dr. Harkey, and our family and friends for your care and support during this difficult time.