Edward H. Radke

Edward H. Radke, 85 of LaBelle, FL passed away on September 17, 2020 at his home. He was born October 30, 1934 Hainesville, IL. to Edward and Helen (Foley) Radke. On August 18, 1956 he married his High School sweetheart Delores R. Mionske and they were married for 55 years. He later married Lori Shula on February 20, 2020.

Delores preceded Ed in death on November 3, 2011. He was also predeceased by his parents, his brother Kermit Radke, sister Joanie (Charles) Schiavi. He is survived by his wife, daughters, Robin (Douglas) Nehls, Elizabeth Radke, and son Charles Radke; his 5 grandchildren, Jeremy Nehls, Kristoffer Radke, Alicia (Craig) Adams, Jacob (Kelly) Nehls, and Matthew Radke; his 3 great-grandchildren, Rosie Nehls, Madison Adams, and Calvin Adams, his stepmother Margie Radke, 2 brothers William (Sue) Erickson and James (Donna) Radke, many nieces and nephews.

Ed moved many times in his life and had loving people care for him including his grandmother Radke, who lived on a farm in Grayslake. His mother remarried to Vern Erickson. Bill and Joanie were born and they lived in Chicago until they built a house in Prairie View, IL. It was during this time he met Delores and they were married in a beautiful ceremony on August 18, 1956. Ed was drafted and went to basic training in New Jersey, Robin was born in 1958, followed by Liz in 1960 and Chuck in 1965. They lived in Forest Lake.

While living in Forest Lake, he was reunited with his father Ed Radke Sr. He finally got to meet his Stepmother Margie and his 2 brothers Kerm Radke and Jim Radke. He continued to have a wonderful relationship with them until the day he died.

Ed loved fishing, camping, sledding, and ice skating. Ed loved the Cubs, he attended many baseball, football, as well as hockey games in Chicago.

In 1977, the family moved to Woodstock, IL. Where he and Delores bought a small hobby farm. It was his dream to raise pigs, cows, chickens, ducks, sheep, and horses. He opened Homestead Orchard where they sold vegetables, dried flowers, apple cider, and every variety of apples.

Ed’s work offered him the chance to travel abroad. He worked in Wuhan, Beijing, Hong Kong, England, and Spain. He retired early to spend time on his Orchard and be with his growing family. By then, Jeremy, Alicia, Jacob, Kris and Matt were born. The grandkids got to ride on tractors and play with the animals, especially the sheep. When the decision to close up the farm and orchard came Ed and Delores bought a home in Wisconsin and Florida where they became snowbirds.

A private graveside service was held at Windridge Memorial Gardens in Cary, IL. where Ed was laid to rest next to his wife Delores A. Radke. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Foundation and Rockford Special Opportunity (Special Olympics). To share a memory or condolence please visit www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com