James A. Radtke, 76, passed away at home surrounded with family, following a brief battle with cancer on Sunday, August 16, 2026. The son of George and Violet (Krieser) Radtke was born on April 11, 1950, in Green Bay.

Jim grew up in Sampson and graduated from Pulaski High School. On December 2, 1972, he married Ruby Gaertig.

Jim found great joy in retirement through his many years of volunteering. For more than 10 years, he volunteered for the third-grade classroom at Glenbrook Elementary School in Pulaski and served as a crossing guard, where he enjoyed greeting and helping students each day. He was also an active member of Challenge Outdoors (Peter’s Pond) in Pulaski. Jim loved spending time outdoors hunting and cutting wood.

As an only child, Jim’s greatest gift was his loving wife, three children, and many grandchildren. They filled his life with pride, fun, and a tear here and there. They gave him a lifetime of smiles, and he loved each and every one of them. Jason said he was the favorite and Tiger like him best. Brad said he was the favorite. Lisa said they saved the best for last and that is why they didn’t need to have any more children she was perfection.

Survivors include his loving wife, Ruby; three children and their families: Jason Radtke and his children: Devan, Alexander, and Lillian; Brad (Mary) Radtke and their children: McAllister and Morgan; and Lisa (Brandon) Collett and their sons: Gavin, Carter, Logan, Zander, and Aiden. He is further survived by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Enith (George) Callahan, Pearl (Al) Czechan, Glen Gaertig & Julie Thompson, Crystal (Nick) Cortese, and Dar Pearcy.

In addition to his parents George and Violet, he was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Carl Gaertig; a niece, Dawn Gaertig; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Otto and Gladys Gaertig.

Friends are invited to gather with family at Marnocha Funeral Home, 186 E. Pulaski St., Pulaski, on Thursday, August 27, from 4-6 p.m. The Funeral Service will begin at 6 p.m. with Pastor Matt Seegert officiating. Please dress casually or your best flannel as Jim hated dressing up and wouldn’t want you to either.

Jim’s family is very thankful to those for the food, cards, prayers and visits. An extra thank you goes out to Pearl, Glen, Crystal, and Tammy. They would also like to thank Pastor Matt for his spiritual guidance and to the Ascension at Home and Unity Hospice Teams. Lastly to Dr. Bongiorno for the compassion and care given to him.

Online condolences may be offered to Jim’s family at www.marnochafuneralhome.com or on the Marnocha Funeral Home Facebook page.