Jack Rada

Jack W. Rada, 80, of Eau Claire died peacefully at his home with his family by his side on Wednesday, May 23, 2018.

Jack was born on April 18, 1938 in Eau Claire to Clarence and Glendora Rada.

Jack is survived by his sons, Richard (Deb) of Maplewood, MN and Michael of Eau Claire, and his grandson Jeffrey of Scottsdale, AZ. He is preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Glendora.

Jack raised Richard and Michael with love and coached them in life and in sport. His role as a grandfather might be his greatest accomplishment. The love and support he provided for Jeffrey has helped to shape a young man who is loving and caring, and who holds a positive outlook and perspective on how life should be lived.

Jack “Lefty” led a very active life. It started on the playgrounds of his youth, winning ribbons in track and field, and medals in speed skating at Boyd Park. He played basketball, football and baseball, and excelled in all of them. At Eau Claire Senior High School, Jack played on the 1955 Wisconsin Boys State Basketball Championship team and on two Wisconsin Boys State Championship Baseball teams. Jack is still considered to be one of the greatest running backs in Old Abe history. In 2005, Jack was inducted as a charter member of the Old Abe Sports Hall of Fame. Recognized for his football play, he was described as “a big weapon in a small package.”

Jack was recruited for football and chose to play for the Montana State Bobcats in Boseman, MT. As a freshman he played a back up role at scatback, he carried the ball 31 times for 253 yds, an average of 8.2 yards per carry and scored two touchdowns. That same year, the Bobcats went undefeated and played in the 1956 Aluminum Bowl. Later, the team was inducted into the Montana State Hall of Fame.

After college, Jack stayed active playing basketball in the city leagues at the Eau Claire YMCA. He continued to play baseball until he picked up fastpitch softball. Jackpine continued to play softball for many years on several different teams. He introduced his two boys to the sport. He coached them and when they got older, he supported and followed them as they played on different teams around the country.

Jack enjoyed motorsports and started as a corner worker at Eau Claire Speedway. Years later he became flagman at Eau Claire Speedway, Red Cedar Speedway and Cedar Lake Speedway. Jack and his sons enjoyed watching NASCAR, Indy and F1 together.

In his later years, Jack took his golf game more seriously. He tallied 3 hole in one’s. The last two were at the age of 78 and 79. He enjoyed playing at Hickory Hills Golf Course and loved the staff. In the 1960’s and 70’s Jack was an active snowmobiler and introduced his boys to the sport. He took it up again 15 years ago and enjoyed the camaraderie of friends on and off the trails. In recent years, he especially enjoyed trips to Northern Wisconsin with his son Rick.

The family would like to thank Amanda and Nicole for their quality care they provided Jack.

Visitation will be Monday, June 4th, 2018, from 4:00PM to 7:00PM. at Stokes, Prock and Mundt funeral Chapel. A celebration of life will follow at 7:00Pm led by Pastor Tom Heyd.