Gale Clark Radtke, age 85, formerly of Markesan, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Meriter Hospital in Madison on Saturday, February 15, 2020.

Visitation for Gale will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at Terrace Shores Ev. Free Church, W3278 Cty Rd K, Markesan from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. (noon) with Rev. Gary Zacharias officiating. Burial will take place at Markesan Memorial Cemetery with graveside military honors.

Gale was born on December 13, 1934 in Waupun, the son of Lester and Esther (Prochnow) Radtke. He graduated from Waupun High School in 1953 and proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1954-56. Gale was united in marriage to Donna Weihert on November 8, 1958. In 1960, he graduated from University of Wisconsin-Platteville and taught high school industrial arts, physical education and driver's education in Michigan from 1960-73. Along with teaching, Gale was also the head basketball coach and assistant baseball and football coach.

In 1973, Gale and Donna relocated back to Wisconsin to Little Green Lake in Markesan, where they owned and operated Radtke's Landing. An avid fisherman, they started Radtke's Bait Company in 1977, spending many hours assembling and selling lures locally, as well as at various sporting shows. In 2000, they sold Radtke's Landing and moved to Alexandria Bay, NY to enjoy retirement and muskie fishing on the St. Lawrence River. They moved back to Wisconsin in 2005 to be closer to family, and eventually sold the bait company in 2011.

A distinguished muskie fisherman, Gale holds two world records in the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward, WI. In addition to fishing, he also enjoyed hunting, bowling and playing tennis in his earlier years. He treasured spending time with his family and friends and was known to be the life of the party telling his many jokes. He also loved watching his grandchildren's sporting events. Throughout his life, Gale always had a strong faith in the Lord. He cherished having his loving wife by his side for 61 years and was a strong fighter throughout his health struggles right up until the end.

Gale is survived by his wife, Donna Radtke of Randolph; son, Marvin (Lisa Reeve) Radtke of Appleton; daughter, Dawn (Scott) Stiemsma of Randolph; three grandchildren, Jonathan Radtke, Faith Steimsma and Abigail Steimsma; nephews, Dean Radtke and Karl Weihert; nieces, Terri (Danny) Fitzpatrick and Moira (Andy) Johnson; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Wayne (Marie) Radtke and other relatives.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Randolph Health Services and Meriter Hospital for the loving care and support.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Markesan is honored to be serving the family.