Obit: Radtke, Ruth Alma (1943? – 2021)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Radtke, Bruss, Eckdahl

Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, WI) 01 Dec 2021

Radtke, Ruth Alma (1943? – 19 Nov 2021)

Ruth Alma (Bruss) Radtke, 78, Minocqua, formerly of Loyal, passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, at Comforts of Home, Menomonie, surrounded by family. A celebration of life will be held at Peace Lutheran Church, 10868 Old 51N, Arbor Vitae, on Saturday, Dec. 18, at 11:30 a.m. Lunch and visitation will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Lakeland Food Pantry at 1707 US Highway 51 N, Woodruff, WI.

Ruth was raised by Edgar and Viola Bruss on the Bruss family farm in Mequon, where she developed her incredible work ethic. She married Roland Radtke on Aug. 18, 1962. They raised four sons and one daughter on a family farm in Loyal. Ruth developed farmer’s lung, prompting them to move to their cabin in Minocqua. At this point, Ruth went back to school to pursue her dream of being a nurse at 50 years old to become an RN. She comforted many families as a hospice nurse after her graduation from nursing school. Ruth was always an active member with many churches, especially Peace Lutheran Church, gave her time as an EMT, was a master pie maker, and her decorated cakes were enjoyed at many family functions. No matter what was going on, Ruth was probably knitting.

Ruth is survived by her husband; her children: Roy (Sue) Radtke, Marie (Jeff) Eckdahl, Russell (Deann) Radtke, Rodney (Michelle) Radtke, and Randy (Mary Jo) Radtke; 13 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.