Andrea Radke, 55, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2017 at Sunset Manor Nursing Home in Irene, SD surrounded by her loving family.
Andrea Wagner was born July 2, 1961 in Sioux Falls, SD. Her early years were spent in Watertown, South Dakota. Her family later moved to Brookings where she graduated from Brookings High School in 1979. After graduation, Andrea attended Mankato State University where she studied Journalism and Mass Communications. After receiving her undergraduate degree from Mankato State, she eventually went on to earn a Master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Maryland. This was one of Andrea’s proudest accomplishments. After graduating from Maryland, Andrea worked for the South Dakota Municipal League in Pierre, South Dakota. One of her duties was being a legislative lobbyist where she met many life-long friends and acquaintances. In 1991, Andrea moved to Sioux Falls and worked for Voyageur Asset Management.
Andrea was married to Brian Radke in Brookings, South Dakota on August 24, 1991. They made their home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. From this union were born two children; Erin and Lee. Andrea’s children were the joy of her life. Andrea loved being a mother. Andrea took a very active role in seeing that her children were educated in the Christian faith. She was also very active in their schooling. She was on the Robert Frost PTA Board, volunteered at school and rarely missed any of Erin and Lee’s school events.
Andrea was active in politics. She helped manage her mother’s State Senate Campaign. She also worked on Senator Jim Abnor’s United States Senate race. Andrea also loved to travel. She was up for almost any adventure. Andrea was a member of Westward Ho Country Club. She was an avid golfer. She made sure that her children were introduced to the game as well. One of Andrea’s most cherished pastimes was driving Erin and Lee to junior golf tournaments. Andrea was extremely proud of her children’s golf accomplishments.
On November 12, 2004, the day Andrea’s beloved mother passed from this earth after a short and unexpected illness, Andrea was befallen by a tragic and unexpected heart ailment which permanently left her with a severe brain injury. For the past 1 2 years, God has been holding Andrea in his loving arms until she could finally go to heaven to join her mother, father, friends and loved ones. During those entire twelve years, her family has been comforted, blessed and shielded by God’s loving embrace. Although we will dearly miss her, we know that Andrea is with God in heaven and she will never suffer again. For that, her entire family is eternally grateful.
Grateful for having shared her life are her children, Erin and Lee; brother Christopher and his wife, Johanna, and their children, Lara and Helena of Geneva, Switzerland; and former husband, Brian Radke. She was preceded in death by her parents, The Rev. Dr. Robert T. Wagner and Dr. Mary Wagner.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, January 21, 2017, at Calvary Episcopal Cathedral in Sioux Falls, SD. www.heritagesfsd.com
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