Jack Radke

Jack Radke, age 87, passed away peacefully at St. Luke’s Hospital, Milwaukee, on March 26, 2023. Jack was born the last of 9 children to Ben and Mary Radke on July 22, 1935. He grew up in the town of Lake on Plainfield Ave, it is now the Plainfield Curve. His best friends growing up were the Paetzke Family. Jack worked hard his whole life; as a kid roofing with his dad and brothers for Radke Roofing, to laboring for his big brother Ralph’s Masonry business. He worked as a truck driver for Fritsch Trucking. After graduating from Pulaski High School he joined the Army and proudly served in the 82nd Airborne from 1953 - 1955. Jack loved God and his Country. After his military service, one of his jobs was pouring concrete on one of the 360 ft high smoke stacks at the Oak Creek power plant. He then went to MATC where he became a Master Welder. He worked many years at George J. Meyers Co. He finished his career at Louis Allis Co., where he retired.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Dorthy and Lee (Fritsch); brothers, Ralph and Geraldine Radke, and Harvey and Lorraine Radke; sister, Betty and Dick (Fowlie); brother-in-law, Clayton “Boots” (Huebschen); nephew, Steven Radke; niece, Charlene Radke; and nephew, Gary Fritsch.

He is survived by the love of his life, Barbara (Kostrzewa) Radke; they were married 63 years. Also big brother, Robert and Ruth Radke; sister, Joanne (Huebschen); brother-in-law, Wayne and Diane Kostrzewa; special niece, Terese and Tim Boudart and family; Ron and Linda Radke and family; and many other loved nieces, nephews, and friends. Also special friend and neighbor, Brenda Schmitt, and all of his Deer camp buddies; he loved spending time with them. Jack and Barb loved building their place up north in Adams County and planting the forest that now surrounds it. He loved his Scotties, Bonnie and Banner, and his kitties, Abbie and Angel.

We want to thank the staff at St. Luke’s Hospital, Milwaukee, for the great and compassionate care for his last 6 weeks.

As per his wishes, his final jump from an airplane will be this Summer. A Celebration of Life will be held at Pulaski Hall at a later date. We’ll bring the kielbasa, the Pabst, the pierogies, and you bring the memories!