Verla Rae Jones Jensen Radtke, 98, of Jefferson, passed away peacefully at her home on March 23, 2025, surrounded by her family.

She was born on June 18, 1926 in Barron, the second daughter of Zude and Ruby (Timblin) Jones.

After her graduation from Barron High School in 1945, Verla attended Stout State University in Menominee, where she was an accomplished violinist.

Verla married Malcolm Eugene Jensen on September 4, 1949, in Barron. The couple welcomed two children, Carol and David. Malcolm preceded her in death on June 6, 1953. A few years later, Verla met Richard Henry Radtke on a blind date, and the two married on February 9, 1958, in Jefferson. They welcomed one son, John. Richard preceded her in death on March 17, 2018.

After her marriage to Richard, she joined the family business, Bon Ton Bakery, and was the smiling face behind the counter for over 60 years. Verla was also a third-generation owner from 1988 until her last days on earth. She enjoyed many other activities in life, including reading, gardening, traveling and spending time with her family.

Verla taught Sunday School at St. Mark’s for many years in Jefferson. She had been a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and was awarded Worthy Matron; and was also a proud member of the Fort Atkinson-Eli Pierce Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution since 2019.

She will be deeply missed by her children, Carol Houlihan of Jefferson, David (AnneMarie) Jensen of Minocqua, and John (Cynthia) Radtke of Jefferson; five grandchildren, Erin Houlihan, Matthew Houlihan, Erika (Lonnie) Klecker, Adam (Tamara) Jensen, and Jessica (Joshua) Punzel; three great-grandchildren, Ava and Tristan Klecker, and Macy Houlihan; sister-in-law, Joy Alice Randolph; five nieces Mary (Curt) Galloway, Judith (David) McNeal, Ruth (Dennis) Burke, Nancy (Richard) Prosser and Margaret Block; and many great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and wonderful friends.

Verla was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands Malcolm and Richard, her sisters and brother-in-law Gwendolyn (Robert) Kellerman and Donna Jones; son-in-law Hugh "Mack" McLennan; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, June Wolfkiel, Irving (Marlene) Radtke Jr and Amy (Russell) Turner; a niece Mary Turner, and a nephew-in-law James Block.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00am on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the Immanuel United Methodist Church with Rev. Han Lee presiding. Verla will be laid to rest with her husband Richard at a later date in the Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Cemetery in Union Grove. Visitation will take place Sunday afternoon, May 18, from 3:00 – 6:00pm at the Olsen-Gibson Funeral Home in Jefferson, and then again on Monday at the church from 10:00am until the time of services.

Her family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the nurses and staff members from CommonHeart Hospice for their wonderful care, and to Sara, who had been Richard and Verla’s friend and caregiver for many, many years.

Those wishing to express sympathy through donations may direct them to CommonHeart Hospice or, because of Verla’s love of reading, to the Jefferson County Literacy Council in Jefferson.