His Memorial Service will be held at Lynchwood Church of God, Gresham Oregon, March 11 at 2:00 p.m. Funeral arrangements are being handled by
Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.
Merlin was born in Baker City, Oregon on November 5, 1931 to Julius and Letha Radke. He attended George and James John Schools, Roosevelt High School, and Vanport College. Merlin became Vice President of the family business, Radke Auto Parts, when he returned home from the Air Force in 1957. He was responsible for adding the line of high performance products at the store, becoming the primer hot rod parts dealer, a maneuver that “put them on the map’! As president of the company, Merlin continued the, already successful, family business of Radke Auto Parts in becoming an icon in the St. Johns community and throughout the region. Merlin will be remembered by many for his friendliness, community support, and his innovation in the speed and custom business.
Merlin is survived by his brother Ron Radke and family.
