Florence Radke

Florence Radke

November 13, 1928 - January 15, 2024

Obituary

Florence Bernice Radke, 95, longtime resident of Fredonia, ND died Monday, January 15, 2024, at SMP Health - Ave Maria in Jamestown, ND.

Florence Herrmann was born on November 13, 1928, on a farm near Kulm, ND to Otto and Elsie (Schweigert) Herrmann.  As a youngster, she grew up there and was baptized by Pastor Ruder & confirmed by E. Ketterling at the Congregational Church in Kulm; for eight years she attended rural schools near Kulm in Ponoma Township, LaMoure County.  She graduated from Kulm High School in 1946 and then taught school for one year south of Fredonia.

She and Clifford C. Radke were married on June 22, 1947, at the Kulm Congregational Church.  For the next four years, she continued teaching school in the Fredonia area.  In 1952, they had a son, Neill, and in 1956 another son, Brian.  

From 1970 to 1985, she worked for the Grenz General Store in Lehr, ND.  In 1990 she started working for the Fredonia Farmers’ Cooperative Elevator as a bookkeeper and retired after 20 years of service.  In 2010, she entered the Gackle Care Center and then moved to SMP Health - Ave Maria in 2021.

Florence was an active member of the Nazareth Congregational Church in Fredonia, where she played the organ for many years and taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.  She also played organ at the Gackle UCC Church for 33 years.  She gave piano lessons for decades.  Florence spent hours and hours quilting for family and so many others.

Grateful for having shared her life with her two children; Neill (Janet), Wimauma, FL and Brian (Crystal) Radke, Rock Springs, WY; two grandchildren, Darin Radke and Megan Radke of Rock Springs, WY; one step-grandson, Alex Fadell of Bloomington, MN; one brother, Delano (Joanne) Herrmann of Fargo, ND; and nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister and brother-in-law, Gladys & Osborn Ost; sister and brother-in-law Alice & Reinie Blumhardt; and brother and sister-in-law, Melvin & Darlene Herrmann.

 

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to SMP Health- Ave Maria or the Gackle Care Center- Gackle, ND (304 1st Ave W, Gackle, ND 58442)


The funeral service is available to view here- https://hautfuneralhome.livecontrol.tv/591fbdd9

Events

There are no events for Florence yet.

Photos

Add photos
of Florence
Memorial wall photoMemorial wall photo

Memories

Add a memory of
Florence
K(
Karen A Friese (Willey)
Other •
I will always my memories of Florence I,and she talked about our gardens and life in Fredonia. I will always and treasure my memories of my friend
DF
Del Herrmann family
Other •
Del Herrmann family has purchased Lush Greenery Basket for Florence Radke
LS
Larry and Gwen Schlenz
Other •
Our prayers for comfort and peace as you mourn your mother’s passing.
WZ
Wanda Ketterling Zimmerman
Other •
Sincerest condolences. When we lived in Fredonia I used to spend alot of time over at her house. She would play piano and we'd sing. Always was very pleasant and kind. God bless
LH
Larry Hehr
Other •
So sorry to hear that Florence passed away and to be with the lord
MK
Melissa Krueger
Other •
Aunt Florence will be missed! I remember all the quilts she made for us and other family. I still have one that is in pretty good shape. She made a baby quilt for each of my three kids which I still have. I remember the yummy cookies she baked and how perfectly round each cookie was. She had cookie baking down to a perfection. I remember the pickled watermelon she made and I think of her when I can them. Florence always looked so nice. I remember the suits, embroidered sweatshirts, and jewelry she wore. And, her hair was always fixed and looked so nice. The thing I will remember the most is how she loved music. She and I would play duets on the piano and play Christmas songs and sing. I remember her smile and laughter and how she loved to play games. I imagine the pretty music she is making and singing with the angels and I smile.

Memorial video

Share memorial