Ronald Elmer Radke age 83, of Danbury, WI passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 4th 2025 at his residence. He was born on November 11th, 1941 in Fredrick, WI to the late Elmer and Ruby Radke. He was the oldest of four children.

Ronald was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Linda Radke, twin daughters, parents Elmer and Ruby Radke, father-in-law Frances Schmidt, mother-in-law Mary Ann Schmidt, four brother-in-laws Gary Schmidt, Thomas Forte, Charles Hersant and Michael Liljenberg, sister-in-law Diane Schmidt.

Ronald is survived by his daughter Dione Warren three grandchildren Emma Capra, Cole Haseman and Jake Haseman. Two great grand sons Remy and Tate Capra. Three sisters Alice Hersant, Mary Liljenberg and JoAnne Forte. One brother-in-law Tom Schmidt. Two sister-in-law Diann Schmidt and Connie Schmidt.

Ronald was married to Linda Radke on January 22nd, 1966. They were blessed to have three daughters. Twin girls that were born unfortunately too soon and died at birth. Daughter Dione came four years later.

Ron and Linda were inseparable for 58 years. They created countless milestones together. Ron always mentioned that he and Lin made a great team.

They moved to Forest Lake, MN in 1967 where he got a job at American Hoist and Derrick Company in St. Paul, MN where he was a machinist for eighteen years until the company moved to another state in 1985.

Ron and Linda had an entrepreneur spirit to open and run businesses. From 1981-1990 they owned the Dairy Bar fast food restaurant located in Siren, WI. About five years into running the Dairy Bar Ron had an idea during the 4th of July to sell fireworks. So they had a roadside stand in the parking lot of the Dairy Bar next to Highway 35 and set their daughter Dione up at the age of 16 to sell.

Since they saw a much bigger return in Fireworks sales they decided to get out of the restaurant business and open a fireworks store. They opened Shooting Star fireworks in Siren, WI. One store was not enough for Ron. He had to talk Linda into opening another location. Well in 2002 they opened their second location in Tomah, WI.

Linda ran the Siren store with help from her mother MaryAnn and sister Diann. While Ron ran the Tomah location working open to close Memorial Day to Labor Day. For two years he slept in the stockroom on cardboard boxes until they were able to save up enough money to purchase a house in Tomah paid in full.

Following the loss of his beloved wife he succumbed to a broken heart. Their marriage was a testament of enduring love and devotion of one another that spanned nearly six decades. The depth of his grief after her passing was so profound, and ultimately it proved to much to bear.

Dad you will be remembered for your laugh, big smile, hard work and the legacy that you left your family.

Thank you with love, your Daughter Dione

The Funeral service will be held Wednesday March 19th, 2025.

The visitation will be from 11am-12pm.

The Service will take place at 12pm at Swedbeeg - Taylor Funeral Home in Webster, WI.

Last Update: Mar 17, 2025 3:56 pm CDT