Richard J. Rady

Richard “Dick” Rady went to his heavenly reward the morning of December 18, 2025, surrounded by family. He was born on March 12, 1930 at the home of his parents, James and Agnes (Beth) Radej in Two Rivers, WI. He and his younger brother, Jimmy, were raised in Chilton, WI. Dick graduated from Chilton High School in 1948, where he was active in football, boxing, and a member of the National Honor Society.

Dick proudly served at Camp Drake in Japan as a member of the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He returned home from overseas and was employed as a bank examiner by the FDIC from 1954 to 1985. He spent time in Milwaukee, Appleton, and Southern Indiana before permanently residing in La Crosse. During his time with the FDIC, he met his future wife, Mary “Jeanne” Berra, at the bank in Genoa, WI. Dick and Jeanne married on May 21,1966 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Genoa, WI. They raised four children in the Hungry Point neighborhood on the Southside of La Crosse. They were long time members of St. Thomas More Parish. He retired from the FDIC in 1985 and began his life of leisure, while supporting Jeanne in her Shaklee business. In semi-retirement, he was employed as a bank consultant for three local banks and did volunteer work for WAFER, RSVP, Mobile Meals, and several other local organizations.

Dick was a longtime Packer fan attending his first game in 1938 and attending at least one game a year except when overseas in the U.S. Army. Dick and Jeanne attended the infamous Ice Bowl in 1967. They also enjoyed Packer rivalry train trips with the crew from P&J. He attended his last game at Lambeau in 2011 with his son, Tony.

Dick enjoyed hunting and fishing especially at his cabin on Pigeon Lake in Northern Wisconsin. He very much enjoyed the camaraderie and card playing with the crew. Both he and Jeanne appreciated the peace and solitude the cabin provided and readily shared their beloved space with friends and family. He was a member of the American Legion Post 246, Sokol’s, Korean War Veterans Association, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. In his later years, he enjoyed watching Jeopardy, the Mollie B Polka Show, and Gunsmoke. He also enjoyed a pipe on the back porch, ice cream, kolaches, and solving the world problems with friends and family, especially his brother-in-law, “Yogi,” and good neighbor, Mark. His faith was an important part of his life and he prayed the rosary and chaplet daily. He very much appreciated being brought the eucharist by sister-in-law, Carol, and Sister Kathy.

Dick is survived by his children, Mary Beth, James (Sandee), Rose (Tom) Barton, Tony (Sarah) and numerous granddogs. His children cared for him in his later years especially his eldest child, Mary Beth, who attended to his daily needs. Special appreciation also to Stephanie who is the “best caregiver ever” as he said. He is also survived by Jeanne’s extensive family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Jeanne; his parents; his brother, James; sister-in-law, Barbara; and sister-in-law, Peggy (Berra) Curti.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to all the staff at Bethany St. Joseph, Agrace Hospice, and especially “the angels in blue” at Mayo Hospital 5th Floor.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at Mary, Mother of the Church in La Crosse. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until the time of Mass at the church. Fr. Brian Konopa will officiate. Graveside services will be held later at the Catholic Cemetery in La Crosse.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials to ADRC of La Crosse County or WAFER Food Pantry in La Crosse.