Thomas C. Radke, 95, of Beaver Dam passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at the Charleston House in Beaver Dam. Thomas was born on March 20, 1930 in Oshkosh to Fred and Elsie (Zich) Radke. He served his country in the U.S. Army. Tom was married to Jean Jones on March 31, 1951 atContinue Reading
Thomas C. Radke, 95, of Beaver Dam passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at the Charleston House in Beaver Dam.
Thomas was born on March 20, 1930 in Oshkosh to Fred and Elsie (Zich) Radke. He served his country in the U.S. Army. Tom was married to Jean Jones on March 31, 1951 at First Presbyterian Church in Horicon. Tom taught music at the Beaver Dam High School for 38 years until his retirement.
Tom was a faithful member of the Trinity Church – United Methodist in Beaver Dam and also attended the Rhinelander United Methodist Church during his summer stays. He was privileged to be able to take the Badger Honor Flight. Tom was a supportive member of the Beaver Dam Lion’s Club where he volunteered to transport corneas. Tom served on the board of directors for the Beaver Dam Area Orchestra for many years.
Tom is survived by his grandson Shane (Amanda) Ziegel of Rhinelander; eight great grandchildren: Cody, Hannah, Caleb, Haley, Carson, Heather, Collin, and Connor; brother Steve (Lois) Radke; brother-in-law Wynn (Joan) Jones; sister-in-law Sue (Bruce) Gohl; as well as other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Jean in 2002; daughter Gretchen Jahns in 2008; son Christopher in 2024; brother Richard in infancy; and good friend Ginny.
A memorial gathering will be held at Trinity Church – United Methodist in Beaver Dam on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11 a.m. Rev. Eric Taylor will officiate. Inurnment will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Beaver Dam with military honors to be conducted.
Memorials may be directed to Trinity Church – United Methodist in Beaver Dam.
Jan Bellherron (Bell)
left a message on August 24, 2025:
I am so saddened to hear about the loss of my fabulous high school chorus teacher TR. He inspired me so much and worked with me doing choreography for the high school show choir and kept me singing into my 60s now with the Sweet Adeline’s International organization. When I would come visit Beaver Dam, my seester Judy would take me to go visit him and it was fabulous. Tempus Fugit!
Paula Schwartz
left a message on August 21, 2025:
My heart is sad. “ Uncle Tom” has been a part of my life since the day I was born. He and Aunt Jean were good friends with my parents. After the passing of Aunt Jean and then my parents divorce, Uncle Tom was part of our family at holidays and whenever we went to visit my mom in Beaver Dam. I know Aunt Jean , Kip, Gretchen and my mom were waiting for him with open arms. He must be sooo happy!
Mona Williams
left a message on August 20, 2025:
My condolences to the family, and to all who cherish his memory. One of my favorite teachers in high school, I'll never forget his enthusiasm for sharing his love of music! I'm glad that as an adult that I had the honor to share with him how much his teaching impacted my life. RIP Mr Radke.
Lisa Rasmussen Middy
left a message on August 20, 2025:
He was a special teacher and person who greatly influenced my life. I will always remember the good times in Chorus and school musicals that enriched my life. I also knew him and his family from Trinity United Methodist Church and have fond memories of him singing in the church choir. I saw him last summer when visiting WI and cherish that time spent with him.
Brian Schoenwetter
left a message on August 20, 2025:
TR was such a great Teacher... Music was something he had such passion and I know he passed that on to many of his students. I am proud to have been one. I am sure there will be joyous voices serenading him the rest of eternity.
Brenda Meyer
left a message on August 20, 2025:
Mr Radke was one of those people that loved everyone and everyone loved him. I had him in high school for music and knew him personally.
RIP Mr. Radke. I was the lady that sent him cards every month.
Diane Edwards
left a message on August 20, 2025:
Amanda, I didn’t attend Bdhs, but my siblings did and I remember meeting Mr. Radke and how highly they thought of him. My condolences to your family.
The Parrish Family
left a message on August 20, 2025:
Cindy (Parrish) Zozak
left a message on August 20, 2025:
Between church and high school our family with six musical kids came to know you well. So glad I saw you recently and so happy that you kept that quick wit and good memory all along. Thank you for the gift of music you provided over many years.
Badger Honor Flight
left a message on August 20, 2025:
On behalf of the Badger Honor Flight Board and all our volunteers, we extend our deepest condolences to you all, the family of Thomas Radke. We are forever grateful for his service to our great country. What an honor it was for us to take him on his well-deserved trip of a lifetime. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Jan Bellherron (Bell)
left a message on August 24, 2025:
I am so saddened to hear about the loss of my fabulous high school chorus teacher TR. He inspired me so much and worked with me doing choreography for the high school show choir and kept me singing into my 60s now with the Sweet Adeline’s International organization. When I would come visit Beaver Dam, my seester Judy would take me to go visit him and it was fabulous. Tempus Fugit!
Paula Schwartz
left a message on August 21, 2025:
My heart is sad. “ Uncle Tom” has been a part of my life since the day I was born. He and Aunt Jean were good friends with my parents. After the passing of Aunt Jean and then my parents divorce, Uncle Tom was part of our family at holidays and whenever we went to visit my mom in Beaver Dam. I know Aunt Jean , Kip, Gretchen and my mom were waiting for him with open arms. He must be sooo happy!
Mona Williams
left a message on August 20, 2025:
My condolences to the family, and to all who cherish his memory. One of my favorite teachers in high school, I'll never forget his enthusiasm for sharing his love of music! I'm glad that as an adult that I had the honor to share with him how much his teaching impacted my life. RIP Mr Radke.
Lisa Rasmussen Middy
left a message on August 20, 2025:
He was a special teacher and person who greatly influenced my life. I will always remember the good times in Chorus and school musicals that enriched my life. I also knew him and his family from Trinity United Methodist Church and have fond memories of him singing in the church choir. I saw him last summer when visiting WI and cherish that time spent with him.
Brian Schoenwetter
left a message on August 20, 2025:
TR was such a great Teacher... Music was something he had such passion and I know he passed that on to many of his students. I am proud to have been one. I am sure there will be joyous voices serenading him the rest of eternity.
Brenda Meyer
left a message on August 20, 2025:
Mr Radke was one of those people that loved everyone and everyone loved him. I had him in high school for music and knew him personally.
RIP Mr. Radke. I was the lady that sent him cards every month.
Diane Edwards
left a message on August 20, 2025:
Amanda, I didn’t attend Bdhs, but my siblings did and I remember meeting Mr. Radke and how highly they thought of him. My condolences to your family.
The Parrish Family
left a message on August 20, 2025:
Cindy (Parrish) Zozak
left a message on August 20, 2025:
Between church and high school our family with six musical kids came to know you well. So glad I saw you recently and so happy that you kept that quick wit and good memory all along. Thank you for the gift of music you provided over many years.
Badger Honor Flight
left a message on August 20, 2025:
On behalf of the Badger Honor Flight Board and all our volunteers, we extend our deepest condolences to you all, the family of Thomas Radke. We are forever grateful for his service to our great country. What an honor it was for us to take him on his well-deserved trip of a lifetime. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
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