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Edward Radke Obituary

Edward RADKE Age 90, passed away April 14th at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA, from injuries suffered by a fall. Born in St. Joseph, MO, he later moved to Oakland CA where he met the girl of his dreams (Jane). He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Jane Elizabeth. Mr. Radke served as a medic during WWll in the Philippine Islands. After retiring from the construction business he relocated to Kirkland, WA from Oakland, CA. Independent and active throughout their community, "Ed & Jane" were involved in the Kirkland Sr. Center and enjoyed traveling and visiting their countless friends and family. His love of life was evident through his colorful stories and fond memories of life growing up on a farm, his appreciation of the perfect "Manhattan," and his contagious warmth and gentle good- humor. Edward is also survived by his children and their spouses; Nancy Gardin and Jan Bristow of Seattle, Fred Radke and Gina of Mercer Island, Kathleen Higgins and Michael of Medina; and by his grand-children Francine Teal, Maurice Radke, HB Radke, Jeff Gardin, Jennifer Gilbertson,Tony Impala, Wendy Latessa, David Higgins and his 13 great-grand children. His inherent charm and kindness touched the lives of all who knew him throughout the community. He will be dearly missed, and always remembered. For information on the Memorial Service please e-mail: [email protected] Remembrances can be made to the Make a Wish Foundation.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times from Apr. 20 to Apr. 21, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward Radke

Sponsored by anonymous.

50 Entries

nancy gardin

April 15, 2022

another year pasts ...you are forever in my heart and the hearts of the many touched by your loving spirit...

Jennifer Gilbertson

April 14, 2022

14 years has passed since you have been gone. The world is a different place for sure. A day doesn´t go by where I don´t think of you Papa...
The kids are adults now. Life really goes so fast. We like to go to the National Cemetery and visit you &
Grandma. Another Easter is Upon us.
We will think of you always. I think I may of inherited some of those skills of yours, when it comes to fixing things.
Duct tape always comes in handy.
Love you always

nancy gardin

April 15, 2019

11 years since you left...so many people still talk about you and your influence in their lives...i wish you knew how much you touched each person that remembers your spirit...we miss you everyday...and, yes we channel you whenever we have a problem that we know you can solve...love forever...forever in my heart...my dear father...

nancy gardin

July 21, 2018

taday is your brithday and jeff's birthday...what a great loving bond that gave the two of you...you are missed still and always will be...love you dad...

nancy gardin

June 17, 2018

father's day is here...i wish we could share it with you...my heart is filled with love for you...i tell you over and over how much you are missed...maybe it sounds silly because i truly believe you always knew how much love we all have for you...and btw...my screen door needs fixing...guess i will think on how you might advise me if you were right here next to me...thank you for all the sharing you did throughout your life...you are still the greatest in my heart...

nancy gardin

June 18, 2017

another father''s day missing you...my love for you never wavers...

Jennifer Gilbertson

July 22, 2016

Thinking of you always Grandpa. Yesterday on your Birthday After I made dinner and raised my glass to you, Happy Birthday Papa! Maysen is in Oregon with Friends. Dominic is in Ballet camp for 3 weeks. He and his duo partner won 1st place at Nationals! They are great kids! I know how much you love your grandkids.
We sure miss you! Love you!
Jennifer ❤

nancy gardin

July 21, 2016

happy birthday dad...i hear your laughter...i held your hand as we said goodbye for the last time...not really goodbye...you are right here with me every step of the way...in my heart...i see you and mother together...

Jen Gilbertaon

July 21, 2015

Happy Birthday Grandpa! Love all the memories we share. Just recently drove past you and grandmas house in Oakland! Us grandkids are so fortunate to have had you in our lives. Until we meet again...

nancy gardin

July 21, 2015

dear dad, once again i write to you from my heart...memories of you and our family...fred honors you every day as he wears your "dog tags"...you are missed and loved...i carry you and mother in my heart...

nancy gardin

April 14, 2015

so difficult to think of you being gone for 7 years...still greatly missed...the family still talks about you with love...guess i will always miss you dear dad...but, hey, you had a good run...

nancy gardin

December 12, 2014

2 years have passed since mother passed away...there will always be a part of my heart that carries all of the memories and love of you, dad and mom...i am grateful there is still my brother to share the happy and sad times with...

nancy gardin

June 15, 2014

another fathers day...another fond memory of this wonderful father...you are missed everyday...

nancy gardin

October 8, 2013

missing you...and mom, too...guess i will always miss you both...

nancy gardin

June 18, 2011

fathers day...how we all miss you still...you were our touchstone...the love for you is passed on to others in honor of you...you will forever be in my heart...

nancy gardin

April 23, 2011

my last entry did not show up here...same thing happened on your b-day...the important thing is i get to share with you...visited a couple of weeks ago with an old pal, pat...you were always very fond of her...as usual i was there on behalf of kathleen and all...love you dad, nancy gardin

nancy gardin

December 26, 2010

whew...it's been awhile. you are in my daily thoughts and in my deepest heart of hearts. i guess the feeling of emptiness never goes away when a loved one such as you leaves. then my mind shifts to one of the many stories you told...and to all the wonderful times with you throughout the years. i laugh i cry i say a silent thank you. and then i try to fix one item in your honor. i'm just not always as successful as you were at fixing things. but it keeps me connected to the great guy i miss and love. nancy

nancy gardin

July 21, 2009

today is your birthday. would have turned 92. kathy baked your favorite pie.
jennifer and kids took mom to lunch. jeffs' birthday too. your 1st grandchild. and, you quit smoking that same day. 2 of my favorite guys, you and jeff. miss you, dad. love you always.

nancy gardin

June 13, 2009

every so often i have what i have began to call a dad attack. funny, i go day to day with you just on the edges of my thoughts...and then there you are...big as life...smiling that crooked little smile of yours. then it happens...i miss you so much...i can feel my broken heart...i know a little of how mother feels...crying helps, crying doesn't help...no easy answer. i know i will never again feel the safety that only dads offer.i love you dad.

Jennifer gilbertson

December 26, 2008

Someone once said life is about the journey not the destination. Grandpa yours was amazing! How lucky we all are to have had you on that journey. Untill we meet our destination and are together again your legacy lives on through all of us... always much love Jennifer

nancy gardin

December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas just isn't that merry this year. I miss you so... I treasure every memory of you and always will...

Jennifer gilbertson

November 25, 2008

These Holidays won't be the same with out you Grandpa. Still think of you daily. I miss the sound of your voice. Love you always, Jennifer

nancy gardin

November 24, 2008

whew. been a long time since i have visited this site. i keep thinking of things to ask or tell you...then i remember...mom is doing a bit better. still cries alot. i guess i do too. you are just so missed by so many. i know with the holidays coming it will be strange for all of us without you here. i can close my eyes and hear your voice. untill next time.

nancy gardin

July 22, 2008

yea. big day on your birthday. moms' first visit. jeffs' said his thoughts were with us on your shared birthday. jennifer, maymay and dominic went with us. they were very sweet. dominic said he loved you and missed you; then he went and climbed a tree. i'm sure that was in your honor.

Jennifer Gilbertson

July 22, 2008

Well yesterday was hard day,we went to the cemetery w/mom and Grandma. Grandma said you'd like were they put your memorial,by all the women! Did you have anything to do w/ that? Hope they made you a good Manhattan for your Birthday Grandpa. We love you and miss you always....

Tony Impala

July 21, 2008

Happy Birthday. We miss you.

Skip and Margaret Hart

July 7, 2008

We still find it so hard to think of you as being gone from us, but hardly a day goes by we don't mention your name. You meant so mcuh to Skip and he learned so much from you and I throughly enjoyed all our visits. We are so glad you waited for us so we could say good bye and i will never forget the smile you managed to give us. Thank you for being such a great part our lives. I am sure you and Dick are having a great time in Heaven.

nancy gardin

June 24, 2008

wow! today is your 70th wedding anniversary. i still can't get used to the fact i can't just call you on the phone to talk to you. i guess i never will get used to it. now i find myself doing things and remembering that it was something i learned from you. the single most important thing i learned from you was the importance of listening to others. to let them have their say. it makes a difference. one of the many ways you made a difference. love always, n

nancy gardin

June 12, 2008

hey, dad...i just want you to know that we are doing our best to look after mother. she still cries a lot for you...she misses you as we all do...i hope you are keeping busy with stuff to do around there. i know you are a big help to the main gal in charge. i keep you close to my heart always. it is a great comfort knowing you are taking care of things. i hope you don't mind me talking to you now and then...it's a habit i'm not ready to give up. love you so much.

Alayne McNair

May 13, 2008

Dear Family
Ed introduced me to my 1st Manhattan only a couple of years ago.
I sure will miss his ability to tell a good, juicy story.
I am so sorry for his passing and my thoughts are with you, Jane, Kathy, as well as extended family.
With Love,
Alayne McNair (Tom's wife)

Tony Impala

May 8, 2008

I've been looking at this almost daily since it went up and every day I think I'm ready to say something, but then I'm overwhelmed by all my memories of time spent in the car, remember the blue Datsun? All the time I spent in the garage reviewing tools that no longer have use in today's world. All the time spent in restaurants, I still stop for pie when I happen to drive through Weed, CA. There's too much emotion and too much to say. Grandpa was an all around great guy and I am very blessed to have been able to spend as much time as I did with him, it still wasn't enough. I'll miss him forever, but his lessons he taught me will always live on.

Elise Gardin

May 2, 2008

Grandpa...
I will miss you very much. I have nothing but wonderful memories of you and Grandma Jane and they will forever be cherished. You always brought humor when it was needed and you had more compassion than anyone I’ve ever met. You and Grandma were there whenever I needed you and for that I’m incredibly thankful. You truly were one of a kind and I feel lucky to have known you. I love you Grandpa. I know I’ll see you again someday.

John and Anita Granier

May 2, 2008

Memories and Celebration of a Wonderful Life!
Ed lived a long and productive life, and as age besets us all, his passing being inevitable, still remains a profound personal and family loss. We will always cherish having know Ed and his family. We will be better persons having being in his presence. He was content to be the stong, gentle, constant husband, provider, and father...enjoying watching his lovely wife Jane and accomplished children 'shine'....We will be better 'elders' for our family for having his example amongst us.. We look forward to that great celebration and reunion one day with you ED!!!!

Elise Gardin

May 1, 2008

Debbie Gardin

May 1, 2008

Grampa, I will forever carry you in my heart as one of my favorite people.... you made me feel loved from the first day I met you and Jane, 24 years ago. You became friends with my parents; and I smile, knowing you've joined them in heaven. I know memories we've shared with you will comfort us all until we meet again. With Love, Debbie

Lila Wheatley

April 30, 2008

Jane, Nancy, Jen, and family,

What a special gift I received while spending time with 'Grandpa' Ed during his hospital stay. I got better acquainted with a wonderful, genuinely nice man. I would hold his hand while we visited and I could feel the love he felt for everyone who crossed his mind.(even those waitresses he thought were with us a couple of times!) He was loved by so many and will be missed by all.

My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to all of you,

Lila

Brittany Gardin

April 30, 2008

Grandpa was one of the most warm and gentle souls I have ever known. I will miss him greatly, but I know his spirit lives on and he will be here for all who he loved. I love you grandpa!

Donna (Radke) Boyer

April 29, 2008

Dear Jane,
Thank you for welcoming me into your family. I remember the first time I met you, Ed, and your two children, (at the time) when you visited us In St. Joseph, MO. That was a long time ago when I was still in college. Then, when I moved to CA, we reconnected and it was a blessing. Ed and I had some great talks and I learned a history of our family that I never knew before.
I will be thinking of you and Ed for as long as I live.
Much love from here!

Denise Eals

April 29, 2008

Well this is hard for me, my uncle Ed was so good to me and my family. He and Anut Jane took me on my first camping trip when I was a kid, I had so much fun with my couisn Kathy ,Ed and Jane. Ed ,Jane were always a part of my life as a child and always. He will be truley missed by all.

Jimmy Davis

April 29, 2008

Jane, Nancy, Freddy & Kathy

I am so sorry to hear about Ed. Next to my dad, Ed & Dick were the most influential men to me all of my life. I always felt Ed was my uncle. One of my 1st memories is of Ed in his army uniform at your house on Suter St.. We were in the kitchen and it seems like there was a breakfast nook. I had to be 2 or 3 yrs. old. I wish you all the best.

Jimmy Davis

Francine Teel

April 25, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Grandpa Ed was someone who's easy nature, charisma and kindness lit up every room. I know one day we'll meet again, until that time, I will bask in the glory of his wonderful memories he has left for us to enjoy..
Peace and Love
Francine

Francine Teel

April 25, 2008

To Jane, Fred, Nancy and Kathy,
I will very much miss Grandpa Ed. I remember when Maurice and I stayed in Oakland and how much I enjoyed his easy and caring nature and great sense of humor. He lit up a party with a sense of charisma that will not be forgotten.
I too look forward to reuniting with Grandpa Ed someday.

Peace and Love,
Francine

Maurice and Jill Radke

April 25, 2008

To Jane and extended family:
Jill and I extend our deepest sympathies. Grandpa Ed will be sorely missed (that is, until we all meet again). I remember in 1977 at the San Francisco Bay after I had just got back from boot camp in San Diego. We had a great lunch at fisherman's wharf and I was getting Navy life guidance from an old Army man. It was good stuff though; helped me complete a successful 30-year career in the Navy. His guidance will always live in me, passed to my children (now adults) and should continue on. THAT's a legacy we can all be proud of. I know I am.
God Bless,
Maurice and Jill Radke

gina radke

April 24, 2008

may all your wonderful memories comfort you in your time of sorrow
i will always think of you two as the most romantic and loving couple
you are an inspiration for a great marriage
i often feel that death is not the enemy of life, but it's friend, for it is in the knowledge that our years are limited which makes them so precious
he ran a good race, your ed was adored by you and you were adored by ed
love always
gina

Jennifer gilbertson

April 22, 2008

Grandpa, you will be missed from this day forward. Knowing you has made me a better person and I will never forget all the great memories we've shared. For that I am so lucky. I had the best Grandpa ever! I'll see you in heaven! We'll take care of Grandma untill then. Love always, Jennifer&Donn Maysen and Dominic

Jan Bristow

April 21, 2008

To Jane and family,
Ed will forever be in my heart. You and Ed have always made me feel like a loved daughter. I will miss sitting in many restaurants listening to Ed's wonderful,animated life stories and making every waitress feel special. Ed was loved by many including me. Love, Jan Bristow

nancy radke

April 21, 2008

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am diamond glints on snow.
I am sunlight on ripened grain;
I am a gentle autumn rain.
And in the mornings first hush;
I am the swift up flinging rush
Of quiet birds in gentle flight;
I am the soft star shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there: I did not die.

Dad

April 21, 2008

I think this is what Dad would want to say to us:

To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me

When I am gone, release me, let me go,
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears,
Be happy that we had so many beautiful years.
I gave to you my love, you can only guess,
How much you gave me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now it’s time I travel alone.
So grieve awhile for me, if grieve you must,
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It’s only for a while that we must part.
So bless the memories within your heart.
I won’t be far away, for life goes on,
So if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near,
And if you listen with your heart,
You’ll hear all my love around you soft and clear.
And then, when you must come this way alone,
I’ll greet you with a smile and say----Welcome Home.
Dad

GARY GARDIN

April 20, 2008

jane are prayers are with you and the family i loved ed like a father we love you gary and carol

Ginny Nyberg

April 20, 2008

Dear Jane -
Let me add my heartfelt condolences for your loss. I was deeply saddened to read of Ed's passing and know I am joining all from our Senior Center exercise group in wishing you comfort at this time. We have missed you both in the "back row." Sincerely, Ginny

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