John Herman Bradke Jr

HENDERSONVILLE-John Herman Bradke, Jr., 90, of Hendersonville went home to the arms of our Lord on Saturday, April 19, 2014 at the Elizabeth House.
He was born August 24, 1923 in Vinton, Iowa to the late John H. and Clistie Brazelton Bradke. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister Velma Horack and his brother Robert Bradke
He graduated from the University of Iowa where he joined Phi Delta Theta fraternity and met his wife, Alice Ann Rusty Reininga. They were married for 64 years this April. Also surviving John are his 3 sons: Steve and wife Anna, Bill and wife Cathy, and Tom and wife Carol; 6 grandsons: Brian and wife Tiffany, Sean, J.P., Daniel, Jeffrey and Christopher; 2 great granddaughters: Elizabeth Ann and Charlotte Ann; nieces Joann Bowman and husband Ernest and Karen Roseberry, nephew Kenneth Horak, and numerous great nieces and nephews.
John and Rusty lived in Oyster Bay, NY where they raised their family. John was employed in New York City by JC Penny as corporate buyer for their cosmetic departments. John also worked for Faberge Fragrances and Victoria Vogue as their National Sales Manager. He was also very active in their church, and a member of Matinecock Masonic Lodge where he became Master in 1971. John received his 50 year certificate, apron, and pin this spring.
John and Rusty retired to Hendersonville in 1989. John joined and became active in the Civitan Club, serving as President from 1994-1995, and Lt. Governor from 1995-1996. He received Civitan's Foundation Fellow award for working for Civitan International Research Center. John was also a member of First United Methodist Church. The mountains and waterfalls of western North Carolina inspired him to begin oil painting – his new hobby, in which he became very good. He also really enjoyed playing bridge with friends in Carriage Park. He loved to garden, cook and cruise.
John was a real family man. He looked forward to and enjoyed all visits from his children and grandchildren. He will be terribly missed by his loving family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church, 204 6th Ave. W. Hendersonville, NC on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at 2:00 PM with Rev. Dan Martin and Rev. Christy Sharp officiating. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Elizabeth House 571 S. Allen Rd. Flat Rock, NC 28731, or to The Civitan Scholarship Program, P.O. Box 762 Hendersonville, NC 28793-0762, or to your favorite charity.
An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.