Obituaries

Hilbert R. “Slug” Radtke

Oct 19, 1946 - Apr 25, 2020

age 73, of Wausaukee, died unexpectedly from natural causes Saturday April 25, 2020. He was born in Marinette on October 19, 1946; son of the late Hilbert and Virginia (Mason) Radtke. Slug married Lyla Peters on February 14, 1976. He graduated from Wausaukee High School in 1964. Slug worked for Bolens Snowmobile Co. in the late 60’s until early 70’s in sales and promotions where he traveled the United States. Then he worked as a heavy equipment operator for many years. His picture appeared in National Geographic magazine. He belonged to the International Union of Operating Engineers for 50 years. He was very proud to be associated with companies in Wisconsin.  Slug was the current Village of Wausaukee President for the past 8 years. He also was Village Trustee for 12 years, President of Marinette County Snowmobile Alliance, and President of Bear Point Sno-Crusiers Club. He was involved with many snowmobile clubs. Slug was known to speak of snowmobiling 365 days of the year. He joined the National Guard Reserves and was a life-time member of the Wausaukee American Legion.

Slug’s parents bought Bear Point in 1945 and Slug took over the bar in 1981; renaming it to Bear Point Yacht Club. He ran it until the present time. He loved his family bar and most importantly loved talking to many friends and customers. He was also well known for his $2 bills and people always knew where they came from. Slug also donated proudly to Pastor Fred’s Food Pantry. He was a wealth of knowledge; if you needed to know anything just ask him. He enjoyed traveling the US with his wife, Lyla. He was also known for driving Miss Daisy (his wife) to the casinos.

Slug is survived by his wife of 44 years, Lyla; three sons: Jeff (Robyn), Hilbert III, and Peter (Teresa Welty) Lund; granddaughter, Peyton; and special cousins: Susan (Larry) Hannah. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Isabel.

Due to the current public health restrictions, Slug’s family will have a private viewing with burial to follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

Roubal Funeral Home of Wausaukee is assisting Slug’s family with arrangements.

Sign The Guestbook

Sign Guestbook

Guestbook Entries

Barb Vertz

So sorry for your loss , always enjoyed talking with him My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Lyla

Margaret Mattison

To Slug's family: Ken and I would like to express our condolences to all of you in this difficult time.

Tina Viers

RadtkeFamily, I am so sorry for your loss. Slug was an amazing man with an amazing family. You were all well respected and loved in the community, and always will be. I send you my love and prayers during this difficult time. Slug truly was an angel to those who needed him. Sending my love to you all. Always, Tina Viers

Greg Kornely

Dear Lyla, I was very sorry to hear about Slug. You have my deepest sympathy. I was the DNR guy who contacted you and Slug during the sturgeon season some years ago now. I always enjoyed the short time visiting with you and Slug. Bear Point was the most important registration station and Slug always got the most tissue samples for me each year; helping us manage that important resource. Again you have my condolences. Greg Kornely

Tessie and Nick Sharrow

We were so sorry to hear this. One of our great joys has always been to ride on our snowmobile to Bear Point Yacht Club to see Slug. I still have $2 bills to give to our grandkids. He will be missed by us and so many others. God speed, Slug. We are so sorry for your loss, Lyla and family.

Brian Kocian Family

We all miss Slug, We hope is helping God build a big road to Heaven.

Jeff and Ronda Venable

Gus & Christie Barlament

Our thoughts are with you & your family. Rest in peace.

Wally Schroeder

Dear Lyla and sons. So sorry to hear of your loss. Slug was one of the most intelligent, humorous and humble person that I’ve known. He was a great problem solver and always made the situation a lot easier with his humor I only knew him for 25 years and that was not near enough. I know your sorrow is great but like he would do you will work your way through it. Again so sorry We have lost a wonderful person.

Franny Makos

Lyla, So sorry to hear about Slug passing. So he's gone to join the crew up there now, hey? I know Jerry'll have a cold one waiting for him. Never gonna forget the $2.00 bills we'd always get for change. :) Kept a bunch of them! Franny (from the flower shop in Coleman)

Dan And Kathy Gray Family

Slug welcomed us purchasing a property 20 years ago, we have spent many hours at Bear Point. The enjoyment of Slug was always a great moment for our children growing up, he always welcomed them and looked forward to them growing up and enjoying the time up north. I enjoyed many long conversations about solving the world problems and how simple the solutions are, always left with a smile on my face. It was a pleasure to know Slug and share our life journeys. Prayers and thoughts are with your family. Sincerely Don Gray Family

Laszlo Simovic

Slug was our guardian angel as our neighbor and so loyal. Good bless .

Sharon A. Versland

Lyla, Our Deepest Sympathy goes out to you and your Family. May God's Blessings be with you all.

Al & Karen Brice

Sorry to hear about Slug. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family. Bear Poiht Yacht Club was a regular stop for us on snowmobile or during a weekend drive in the summer. Our kids will always remember him for the sour gummy worms and kiddy cocktails. He never complained about making them. Slug was very social and always knew what we wanted to drink. Will miss getting the $2 in change. RIP Slug,

Janise duer

So sorry for your loss.

Joann Gudewicz

Dear Lyla and family sorry for your loss you are in my thoughts and prayers

Matt Ziemer

I have a lot of find memories of Slug at Bear Point. From the $2 bills to his famous horse radish that would bring even the toughest men to their knees! My favorite memory is when Brett Favre came in back in 1996! I was able to get a picture with him and I was told Slug kept that picture hung behind the bar. Thank you for so many fond memories Slug. R.I.P.

Vickie Gocht

My thoughts and prayers to all your family. I will miss your smiling face and your gift of always making me feel that what ever I wanted to talk to you about, you were interested in what I had to say. Thank you for your many years of service to our community.

Roger & JoAnn Leick

To Lyla and family, so sorry for your loss, Slug was very well known for so many things. He will be truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May he find Peace in his new home. Roger & JoAnn Leick, Lake Mary

Dennis Fuss

I will miss him, especially the weekly “meeting” to get $2 bills. He was a great friend.

Ed & Patti Duben

With deepest sympathy on your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Patrick W Curtiss

Slug was my oldest and dearest friend for over 50 years. I will miss him more than I can say. Slug was the nicest person q a true and loyal friend. Rest In Peace World Champion, rest in peace.

Larry and JeNelle Rank

Dear Lyla-Larry and JeNelle Rank are sending you our condolences.

Pete Pfankuch

Sorry for your loss. He was a great guy and the world will miss him.

Dawn & Darryl

Lyla and family, We are so sorry to hear about slug. He was a very good person and did so much for a lot of people. He will be missed by everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are will you.

Sonny and Sue Everson

Daniel Mier

My condolences to the whole family.

Gary Behnke

He was everything we all need at this time. A Real Friend. Will miss

Michelle Ruggles And Family

You will be greatly missed.

Bonne & Darrell Rostad

RIP Dear Slug, we will miss you, your laughs, your stories, your knowledge, etc but more importantly your presence with all of us. You left us too soon, that's for sure. You have left a huge void in so many lives! We will forever cherish our friendship we had with you. Prayers and hugs to Lyla and entire family!

Cole Couvillion

Our deepest condolences go out to Slug's entire family from the Couvillions. He was a huge community leader in the Wausaukee area and was widely respected for his insight and opinions on community matters. Our village mourns the loss of our president. Grant onto him eternal rest....and let the perpetual light shine upon him.

Jason Bacher

Rest in peace. Lots of good memories at the yacht club.

Jill smith – Jackie’s sister

I was so very sorry to hear of Slug's passing. I really didn't know him well, l but I understand he was a very likeable man. Know that you & your family are in my thoughts & prayers. Take care!

Jill smith – Jackie’s sister

I was so very sorry to hear of Slug's passing. I really didn't know him well, l but I understand he was a very likeable man. Know that you & your family are in my thoughts & prayers. Take care!

Roger and Norene Roche

Sorry for loss. Prayers coming to you and the family during this hard time.

Rebecca Hruska

Chuck Conely

Lyla I'm so sad to hear Slug passed away. He was a great friend to all who he touched. I have so many great memories of him. You have my deepest sympathy. Please call on me if there is anything I can do.

Bill Read

I don’t think Slug ever met a person he didn’t like. Nor do I know of anyone who didn’t like Slug. You are missed my friend. May you Rest In Peace.

Laurie Kocian

Our hearts are broken! So thankful for all the memories of fun times with Slug! Sending big hugs to Lyla and the family from the Kocian Clan!

Richard Juedes

I am so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful person and knew everyone that you asked him about. He will be truly missed especially by the deer lane crew