Karlene K. Radtke, the “Queen” of our family, has found rest from her pain and struggles, entering her eternal home May 12, 2021, surrounded by her children.
She was born June 16, 1941 to Carl and Esther Prahl of New London, WI. Karlene was employed at 1st State Bank out of high school. She met Ken Radtke at Radtke’s Bowling Lanes and they were married at St. Peter’s, Weyauwega, on July 6, 1963. Later, she worked at M&I Bank, Weyauwega, and retired as St. Peter school secretary after 24 years of service. She also enjoyed decades of greeting people at the Waupaca County Fair at her gate. Karlene’s “greatest accomplishment” was her children. Her love and devotion to them was unparalleled to any of her other adventures. Despite the difficulties from her RA, she loved to travel. Her favorite places were where she could listen to the ocean waves, like Siesta Key, Jamaica, Hawaii, Gulf Shores, Puerta Vallarta, Cancun, and multiple Cruises. Another favorite destination was Nicolet Shores, where her family and friends could gather, relax and unwind. She often traveled with Ken as he hunted out west or fished in Canada. She found happiness where friends and family could gather, including opening weekend of deer hunting, Northern Don’s on Pelican Lake, Jaycee/Jaycette conventions, grandchildren’s sporting events and recitals, her Card Club (which could write a book), and Bell Choir. She especially enjoyed a Friday night fish fry, “Recovery” with her friends, and sitting on the deck with a glass of wine.
Survivors include: her four children, Lori (Doug) Rodencal, Lisa (Adam) Alix, Jason (Casey) Radtke, Jenna (Greg) Stelter; nine grandchildren: Zach and Wes Alix, Corey (Amber) Zeutzius, Lexi and Zayne Rodencal, Hailey, Syler and Pierce Radtke, Charlie Zastrow; siblings: Joann Prahl, Ila Mae (Dave) Klatt, Judy (LeRoy) Diestler, Don Prahl, Janet (Rod) Prey, special friend/sister-in-law Barb (Dave) Radtke. She was preceded in death by: husband, Ken Radtke; parents, Carl and Esther Prahl, and sister, Shirley Moeller.
Our family wishes to say special thanks to the nurses and staff at ThedaClark, Neenah, whose special care and consideration was appreciated during her final days.
A Christian Funeral for Karlene will be held on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church in Weyauwega with Rev. Aaron Kristopeit officiating. Burial will be in Hobart Cemetery, Town of Royalton. A visitation for Karlene will be held on Tuesday, May 25th at the Cline-Hanson-Dahlke Life Celebration Center of Weyauwega from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. and on Wednesday at the church from 9:30 – 10:45 a.m.