Debra Lynn Radke

1954 - 2021

Debra Lynn Radke

May 30, 1954 - February 6, 2020

Our sweet Debbe peacefully passed away at Lutheran Hospital after a long illness in Denver, CO, with her wife and sister by her side, on February 6, 2020.

Debra Lynn Radke was born in Milwaukee, WI, May 30, 1954, to Dick and Joan Radke and moved with her family to Grand Junction, CO when she was three months old. Growing up, Deb loved the freedom of exploring the vast open space around the Grand Valley. She loved sports and was a member of the Dolphin Swim Club, winning many medals. Deb also played on the women's fast-pitch softball team where she was a league winning hitter and pitcher. She played the bass drum in the Lowell Elementary Marching Band and graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1972.

After moving to Denver in the late 1970's Deb worked at various jobs but her most gratifying one was working at the Developmental Disabilities Resource Center with the mentally handicapped where she made life-long friends. Many people do not know that Deb volunteered to be part of the clean-up crew after the horrific shooting at Columbine High School in 1999.

One of the highlights of her life came in 2015, when she was finally able to marry the love of her life, Wanda Ray Radke. They recently celebrated their 30th anniversary.

Deb was a kind and loving soul. She was blessed with devoted friends and family who adored her and her light-hearted sense of humor. She rarely missed celebrating holidays and get togethers with them. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her wife, Wanda, from Denver; siblings, Sheri Dunnagan (Dave); Pam Nicholls, and Rick Radke from Grand Junction; many loving nephews, nieces, cousins, aunt, and beloved pets, Olive and Ruby.

A Denver Memorial service has taken place.