Edward Radtke

Edward Gerhard Radtke, the son of Carl William and Kathryn (Penner) Radtke was born on April 15, 1921, in Lodi, CA. He grew up with his family and received his education in the Mountain Lake and Butterfield, MN areas. Ed served his country in the U.S. Army from June 1942 through September 1945, including several battles Africa and Europe. Ed was held as a prisoner of war from November 20, 1944 to September 27, 1945. He earned six battle stars, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Citation andInfantryman's Combat Badge. On October 18, 1945, Ed was united in marriage to Gertie Lucille Menken at the Christian Reformed Church near Mountain Lake. They farmed in the Butterfield and Delft, MN areas until 1962, when he purchased a welding shop in Mountain Lake with George Janzen. Later in his career he became the sole owner of the shop. Ed enjoyed fishing, working with stained glass, traveling, and Christmas lights and displays, and he was an avid bowler in Comfrey, St. James, Windom and MountainLake. He was very patriotic and flew his country's flag with respect. Ed had a very strong faith and was active on many committees at Immanuel Mennonite Church in Delft. He was also a member of the Mountain Lake American Legion Post. Ed loved children and will be remembered for his quick wit. Edward Radtke, age 83, of Mountain Lake, MN, died on Sunday, October 24, 2004, at the Good Samaritan Village in Mountain Lake. Ed is survived by his wife, Gertie Radtke of Mountain Lake, MN; two sons, DeLyle and wife Pam Radtke, and LeRoy and wife Diane Radtke all of Mountain Lake; two daughters, Linda Coe of Pleasanton, CA, and Judith and husband Jerry Friesen of Omaha, NE; eight grandchildren; two great grandchildren; two brothers, Garry and wife Twyla Radtke of Bellevue, TX, and Robert and wife Ione Radtke of Fresno, CA; two sisters, Lorraine and husband Abe Adrian, and Esther Redekop all of Mountain Lake. He was precededin death by his parents.