Ronald “Rip” Lynn Radke age 56 of Tracy, formerly of Balaton, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, May 25, 2013 peacefully at his home.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Zion Lutheran Church in Tracy.

Visitation is 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Tracy Area Funeral Home, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday. Interment is in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Balaton. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Ron was born March 28, 1957 in Marshall, MN to Edward & Dorothy (Nelson) Radke. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Ron graduated from Balaton High School in 1975. He held a school record in track which stood until the closing of the school. It was there he received his nickname “Rip”. Ron continued his schooling at Mankato State University, graduating in 1979. He then worked as Community Ed & Rec Director in Tracy and in the Minneapolis area. On August 22, 1981, Ron was united in marriage to Phyllis Gorres in Tracy where they made their home. Ron was the manager of the Tracy Liquor Store for over 20 years. He was an active member at Zion Lutheran Church, and the M.M.B.A. Ron enjoyed golfing and cooking. “To tell you the truth”, he loved spending time with his grandchildren & taking them to the park.

Ron is survived by his wife Phyllis of 32 years; children: Dustin (Pam) Rue of Fargo, MN, Devon (Jason) Swanson of Walnut Grove, and Derek (fiancé Tory Ruppert) of Tracy; grandchildren: Logan & Molly Rue and Nolan & Neveya Swanson; sister Rita (Philip) Barker of Brooklyn Center and many other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death are his parents.