David Erik Radke

David Erik Radke
March 21, 1966 -
November 21, 2010
'He is in God's Arms'
David Erik Radke, 44, of Charlotte, died tragically in a plane crash on his return home from an annual hunting trip in the Dakotas with his brother. He was a beloved son, husband and father, and a child of God. Born in Storm Lake, Iowa, he was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church, in Aurelia, Iowa. He attended Aurelia High School, and was a member of the graduating class of 1984. He attended Iowa Community Lakes College and graduated from Iowa State University, where he was a member of the Beta Sigma Psi fraternity, and the Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society. He met Anne Marie Hornaday Radke in 1994, and wed in 1995. The couple were, as they often said, 'Very married' and deeply devoted to one another for 15 years. David was an employee of Paetec Corp in Charlotte, where he had many friends among his co-workers. His willingness to help others and his consistently positive attitude will be greatly missed. He was also a member of Morning Star Lutheran Church in Matthews, NC.
David enjoyed a variety of outdoor pursuits; including fly fishing, hunting, kayaking, hiking and camping with his family. He was a member of the Trout Unlimited Rocky River Chapter, as well as the Federation of Fly Fishers and found pleasure in tying his own flies. He enjoyed training horses, taking an appaloosa gelding to the World Championships in his teens. He shared that love of horses with his wife and daughter. David was a natural carpenter and all around handyman who brought joy to all who met him. He was, and remains, the definition of a truly 'great guy.'
David is survived by his wife, Anne Marie Radke, 43, and daughter Erika Jane, 11; as well as his parents, Erik and Joyce Radke of Aurelia, Iowa; brother Mark Radke and his wife Barbara of Aurelia, Iowa; and his sister Annette and her husband, Dr. Steve Harris of Charlotte. David also leaves behind four beloved nieces and five nephews.
The family is being served by McEwen Funeral Home, Mint Hill. Services will be held at Morning Star Lutheran Church Sanctuary at Morning Star Lutheran Church at 12509 Idlewild Road with visitation for friends and family on December 6, 2010 from 6-8 p.m. followed by funeral service on December 7, 2010 at 11 a.m. after which David will be interred in the Morning Star Chapel columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, tax deductible donations can be made in David's name to Federation of Fly Fishers online at https://www.fedflyfishers.org, or by mail: Memorial Donation, Federation of Fly Fishers P.O. Box 1688, Livingston, MT, 59047.