Service Details
A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Friday, July 5, 2024, 12:00pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road, Mount Pleasant. Visitation will be from 9:00am until the time of the service.
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Jerry passed away on June 15, 2024, with his family by his side. He lived 84 “perfect” years. Born to Emil and Lucille Radandt on January 31, 1940, in Medford, Wisconsin, Jerry spent his early years raising some ruckus on the farm and at school. His beloved older brothers and sisters had to keep their eyes on him. The family moved to Racine, Wisconsin in 1948. Jerry attended St. Edward School and St. Catherine High School, where he excelled in wrestling and football, earning the nickname “Chained Fury.” He also excelled at making friends and mischief which lasted his whole life. He played a few seasons for the Racine Raiders football team, earning the loss of three teeth. Jerry married his high school sweetheart Ellen on October 8, 1960, and a family of three children followed.
Jerry had a long career as a master bricklayer and block and cement mason, running his own companies. Jerry earned a black belt in judo and competed in various competitions, including Pan-American games qualifiers. He played hockey and had a mean slap-shot. He was also a force in his thrown together backyard volleyball court. He was an avid gardener and passionate researcher of Civil War history. He liked to take trips and watch the animals in his backyard. He could fix anything and enjoyed tinkering in his garage. Jerry loved to fish and be on his boat, particularly with friends and family. He was a joke teller extraordinaire.
Principled and practical with a killer sense of humor, Jerry had a twinkle in his “eye” and a zest for life. Proud of his extended family and heritage and devoted to his wife and children, he was a common-sense guy with big shoulders and an even bigger heart. He was always there for family and friends, and he loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Emil and Lucille Radandt, brothers Lothar “Fritz” Radandt, Victor Radandt, and Leland Radandt, brother in-law Edward Jansen, nephews Douglas Radandt and Kirk Radandt, daughter in-law Rhonda Radandt, and great-grandson Noah Paul.
He is survived by his wife Ellen Radandt, sons Daniel (Joy) Radandt, David (Theresa) Radandt, daughter Gina (Dean) Radandt, grandchildren Joshua (Sarah) Radandt, Amanda (Brock) Paul, Duncan (Courtney) Radandt, great-grandchildren Christopher, Elijah, Benjamin, Samuel, Abigail, Zoe, Lydia, Joy, Shiloh, Tucker, Riley, and Arthur, sisters Rita Kerkman and Laverne Jansen, sisters in-law Jackie Radandt and Pat Radandt, nephews, nieces, his Clouthier/Thoennes family, and many, many friends.
A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Friday, July 5, 2024, 12:00pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road, Mount Pleasant. Visitation will be from 9:00am until the time of the service.
Shirley and Dale Gayhart says
Dear Gina and Family,
“Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with their heart and soul there is no such thing as separation.”
( Rumi)
I know that’s true because I talk to our parents often. Sometimes with the smallest joy, and I know their smiling or the greatest concern knowing they’re listening.
Gina, We are always too young to lose a parent. We offer our deepest sympathies and all our love.
Dale and Shirley Gayhart
Gretchen G says
What a tribute, describes him perfectly, he’d be low key beaming. “Zest for life and twinkle in his ‘eye’,” made me laugh through tears. He’ll be missed by many, near and far. On a personal note, thank you Jerry and Ellen for your daughter, raising her to be loyal and thoughtful, brilliant and beautiful and gifting her with your generous sense of humor. G’s the supportive friend I and others are very gratefully blessed with. My sincerest sympathies to Jerry’s entire family. Where fond memories remain, a beautiful soul has been.
Michele Koehler says
Gina, I am sorry for the loss of your beloved father. <3
Debra laba says
You were such a good man taking people under your wings to help them. You were a great mentor and a better Fisher. Rest in peace.
Stephen Negler says
Very sorry to hear about Jerry’s passing. We had many wonderful conversations on Skype.
Patricia Adams says
The judo family in Racine remembers Jerry fondly. He was a great player and good friend. Rest in peace.
Kathy Larsen says
Ellen and Family,
So sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. I will never forget all of our fun times, and a wonderful caring person Jerry was here on earth, and a wonderful angel resting in a beautiful place. My heart goes out to your family. My love to you all.