Michael Radke

Michael Guy Radke, 84 of rural Columbia City, Indiana, passed peacefully away on October 3, 2023 at 2:18 pm with his wife by his side. Michael was born On February 7, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, to Peter Paul and Elouise Cerena (DeWitt Doll) Radke. He grew up in Detroit but spent many summers on the farms of his great grandparents, David and Cerena DeWitt and Casper and Grace Bell in Huntington and Whitley Counties.

Michael learned about discipline from his Grandma Bell who would send any of the grandkids who misbehaved out to the yard with a tablespoon to dig weeds. In 1952 his family moved from Detroit, Michigan, to Whitley County, Indiana.

Michael met Shirley Mae Middleton at a party after a mutual friend of theirs had loaned her Michael's coat because she was cold. Michael was there on a date.  He was 16 and smitten, she was not.  Her next encounter with him was when he was out chasing rabbits with the mutual friend, and she was out riding bikes with her girlfriend.  They talked and ended up going swimming together.  And the rest is history. Michael graduated from Columbia City High School with the Class of 1957 and married Shirley on July 12, 1958.  

Michael worked at International Harvester's processing center for 23 years, until their closure in 1983. At 55 he went to college and graduated from Ivy Tech with a degree in computer programming.  He then worked at Magnavox in the secret room and at National Tube Form at the time of his retirement.

Michael was an avid hunter, enjoyed fishing, camping, woodworking, and gardening.  He was a Hunter's Education and Bow Hunter's Education instructor, boy scout leader and baseball coach.

Michael is survived by his wife of 65 years, Shirley.  Children, Todd Alan (Diane) Radke, Amy Jo (Jeffrey) Hoffmeier, Michael (Candice) Radke and Chad Eric Radke. Grandchildren Tara, Joshua, Wakie, Tyler (Carol), Emily (Tyler), Daniel (Krystle), Christopher, Nicolas, Tabatha, Jessica, Dakota, Bradley, Joseph, Jacki, and Matthew, and many loved and treasured Great Grand Children.  And many love and treasured members of his Rendezvous family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, children, Douglas Scott Radke and Dawn Annette Radke, two Great Grandsons, brother, Paul Clifford Radke, sister, Sandra Kay Walkowe Worden and his beloved dog, Ralph.  

A heartfelt thank you to the staff of Parkview Regional Medical Center - Heart Institute, the staff of Ashton Creek Health and Rehabilitation Center and Parkview Hospice for the love and care that you provided, for not only him but his family during the last month.  

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at St. Matthew's Community Church, 1460 E. 500 N., Columbia City, Indiana with visitation from 1-3 pm.  Pastor Doug Luker will conduct the memorial service beginning at 3:00 pm.  Burial will be in the Hope Lutheran Cemetery Coesse, Indiana at a later date.  

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