Headlight Herald - Serving Tracy, Minnesota, since 1880

Patricia Beierman age 78 of Tracy passed away on Friday, May 24, 2013 at the Sanford Hospital in Tracy surrounded by the love of her family. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at the Tracy Area Funeral Home. A private family interment will be held at a later time in the Calvary Catholic Cemetery (Immaculate Heart of Mary) in Currie. Memorials to Hospice are preferred in lieu of flowers. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service - Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Patty was born May 25, 1934 in Dovray Township to Carl & Peggy (Sollinger) Peterson. She was baptized and confirmed at the Methodist Church in Walnut Grove. After graduating from Westbrook High School in 1952, she went on to attend Lamberton Normal School. Patty taught rural school near Snodgrass Corner.

On December 19, 1953, Patty was united in marriage to Ralph “Swede” Beierman. They lived south of Currie, and Patty stayed home to raise her family. In 1960, they moved to Tracy where she went back into education as a paraprofessional for Tracy Elementary until 1986. Patty loved her time managing the Tracy Eagles Club Aerie #3918 for the last 25 years where she was also a charter member. During her life, Patty enjoyed lawn and garden work, being at the cabin, playing darts, crocheting, and the MN Twins! Patty enjoyed traveling with her husband Swede to family reunions and World Fairs. Later in life, Patty continued traveling with family and friends, including trips to Washington, Vegas, Germany and Italy.

Patty is survived by her six children: Sharon (Randy) Hohler of Tracy, Sheryl (Don) Benike of Elgin, Joe (Sis) Beierman of Tracy, Dean (Kari) Beierman of Tracy, Patrick (Jen) Beierman of Baldwin, WI, & Peggy (Whitey) Zwach of Tracy; 17 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; brothers Butch (Donna) Peterson of West Concord & Tom (Patty) White of Dovray; and many other relatives and friends.

Ronald “Rip” Radke, 56

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. Interment was 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.