Janet Radke

Janet "Jan" (Wilkins) Radke aged 89, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, in Laguna Niguel, California. Born on January 16, 1937, in Condon, Oregon to Frank and Mary (Chapman) Wilkins, she had six siblings and was second to the youngest. In her early years, she was active in her high school and attended business school in Portland. She lived a full and vibrant life, and her love and kindness touched the hearts of so many.

Jan was the beloved wife of the late Arthur (Art) Radke and a devoted mother to her daughter Gayle (Radke) Cannon, son Steve Radke and her daughter in-law Debbi Radke. She was also a cherished grandmother to Janet (Cannon) Shimmin (husband Chase), Arthur Cannon, Sean Cannon, and Sarah (Radke) Franck (husband Dave). Her legacy extended further to her great-grandchildren: Roosevelt Shimmin, Ethan Franck, and Olivia Franck. Jan’s family was her greatest love and joy.

Jan met her future husband, Art Radke, when he was stationed at the Condon Air Force Base. It was there that their love story began. They shared that while Jan was working at the local Condon Movie Theater, Art would frequently visit her, and Jan would give him free popcorn. They married in Condon, where they began their life journey and marriage of 61 years.

Soon thereafter, they moved to Davis, CA, where Jan worked and enjoyed her job at UC Davis and made long life friends through their church and school. Their young family enjoyed camping and boating on Lake Berryessa. Approximately 12 years later, life took them back to Oregon to reside in Beaverton, where Jan enjoyed working for the Beaverton School District. Jan and Art loved trips to the Oregon Coast, and mountains, and took up cross country skiing at Mt. Hood.

In 1979 Jan and Art moved to Mission Viejo in Southern California, where they resided for 36 years. Jan worked at Western Growers Association for nearly 20 years, another job she enjoyed. Throughout her life, Jan found happiness in simple pleasures and meaningful connections with community, family and friends. She enjoyed her bridge club and bunco gatherings with friends and neighbors. She served as a regular volunteer at her Catholic church parish, and spent many years as a Hospice volunteer, providing comfort and compassion to others. Jan treasured long walks with her husband to enjoy the outdoors and nature, hummingbirds that would visit their garden, and visits to the beautiful Southern California beaches, where she found peace and beauty.

Jan’s kindness, unconditional love and devotion to family, left an indelible mark on those around her. She will be remembered for her warm and gentle spirit, kindness of heart, and uplifting, positive approach to life.

May her memory bring comfort to all of us who knew and loved her deeply.