Joyce Radke Obituary
Joyce Radke
Joyce Radke, wife of the late Dr. Albert Radke, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2010 after a brief illness.Born on December 17, 1924 and raised in Wisconsin, Joyce attended nursing school in Milwaukee where she met her future husband, Albert, who was a resident in internal medicine. After marrying in 1945, Joyce served in the Navy for a year before she moved with Albert to Italy where he was sent by the army at the close of WWII.
After moving back to the US in 1947, Joyce worked as a nurse in Milwaukee before the birth of their first child, Susan, in 1949. She moved to Everett, Washington in 1950, where Albert started his medical practice. They had three more children, Steve in 1951, Shelley in 1953, and Sara in 1955.
Joyce was active in her community including being a founding member of Snohomish County Community Theater in 1957. Trinity Lutheran Church was an important aspect of her life as were community organizations, such as the Everett Theater Society, Evergreen Town Club, and various PTAs. Joyce was Phi Beta Kappa after attending the U of W to receive her BA in drama and psychology in 1975. She also sold real estate and worked as a nurse at Everett Providence Hospital. Joyce loved spending time at her beach home at Lopez Island.
She leaves her three children, Susan Prescott, Steven Radke (Patricia), and Sara Agassiz (Rod); grandchildren, Jennifer Skov (Andy), Ryan Prescott (Heidi), Joseph Radke, Kelle Agassiz, and Daniel Radke; and great-grandson, Gavin Prescott.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Radke; daughter, Shelley Radke; grandson, Kyle Prescott; and her brother, Roger Champagne of Normal, Ill.
Memorial services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2324 Lombard Avenue, Everett, WA on Saturday, December 18, 2010, at 1:00 p.m.. Remembrances may be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church or to the charity of your choice.
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Bob Petershagen
December 6, 2019
I really can't believe that it's been 9 years since "Aunt Joyce" left us. Growing up, we only lived 4 houses down the alley. If I wasn't at the Radke house, Shelley and Sara were at our house. Joyce was our 'Second Mom'. And the Radke family were relatives (in a long round about way). I miss her at all the family gatherings, where she could "bring the house down" with her unique and comedic soundings. Here's wishing all the best to the Radke family. "Aunt Joyce" is missed by all. -Bob Petershagen
Ronald Sydow
January 7, 2011
I was introduced to the Amazing Joyce as a young man of 19, when EvCC and the Community Theatre did combined productions in Maryville in 1965 or there about. And to think I got to see and chat with her at the Lifetime Achievement of Arden Flom Recognition in the Monte Crisco Hotel recently. I do believe that makes us lifelong friends. I will carry the memory of her Grace, Hugs, and Laughter for eternity.
Kay Storseth (Staffenhagen)
December 22, 2010
What a void Joyce has left in our lives. When I went to church, I was always looking for Joyce. She always brightened my day with her laugh. She was never short a joke or a warm hug. She always told me I was going to heaven. You are there now Joyce resting peacefully. Thank you for your many words of wisdom and your never ending smiles. God bless all your family.
Steve Ward
December 19, 2010
Though I only met Joyce a few times at theater events, I found her bright, enthusiastic and supportive. Condolences to all her family and friends.
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Sylvia Salget
December 18, 2010
Blessings to you all.
Joyce has left us with so many gifts and memories. My mom, Maryalice, and I send you our love and want you to know that Joyce was loved and appreciated, especially for her no- nonsence irreverence, and her great stories, not to mention her snorty laugh!
Ralph & Linda Mackey
December 18, 2010
Joyce knew Ralph from the years their children were in school together. We had the pleasure of her company in our home last January with a few other neighbors. She will be remembered as a very delightful person who loved life and had passion for her interests.
Lise Eddy
December 18, 2010
My sincere condolences to Joyce's family. She was a spitfire, the best kind of spitfire too. She was kind, funny but most of all, someone nearly impossible not to like. I was honored to have worked with her in the Theatre Community, and I will miss her laugh, her wit and just plain having her around. I just feel blessed that I had a few years to be around her. Rest well, you deserve it, Joyce.
Janette Reilley
December 18, 2010
My deepest condolences to all of Joyce's family. As others have commented here, she was a lot of fun to be around. So upbeat, friendly, and funny. A talented and wise lady. She will be missed.
Nina Grandy
December 18, 2010
From our family to yours, our heartfelt sorrow for the loss of your incomparable Joyce. Years of rich memories abound!
We send our love to all of you.
The Grandy Family
December 17, 2010
I've known and cared about Joyce all of my adult life.
Anyone who shares this truth with me understands that the world is a much poorer place with her passing and a much richer place for what she gave us all.
David Blacker
Rose Marie Branson
December 16, 2010
To Joyce's family,
I had the joy of knowing your mother through my work in banking in Everett. She was one of a kind and I thoroughly enjoyed working with her and any time we had a chance to visit together. I would go to Trinity's bazaar just to get a chance to see her once again. I didn't make it this year and perhaps she wasn't there this time either. My sincere sympathy and condolences in your loss of a great person.
Gregg Hays
December 15, 2010
I was lucky enough to know Joyce, who was a delightful lady, a witty, vital, and tasteful woman who never failed to spark up any event she attended or organized. She not only had character, she was a character in the most positive sense and brought her own special brand of perceptive intelligence and laughter to all occasions. She will be missed by all who were privileged enough to know her.
Amanda Hooke
December 15, 2010
To Joyce's family;
I had the privilege of working with Joyce at Providence when she returned to nursing in the 80's, on 2 south. Going to work when Joyce was there was always a joy. She was so much fun, so warm with the patients, and I cherish the time we worked together. She was always talking about her family, you were all the light in her life......
warm regards,
Amanda Hooke
December 14, 2010
We dearly loved Joyce and we will miss her sense of humor and love for everyone. She is one special lady. Rest in peace our wonderful friend.
Duane and Pamela Gleave
Courtney C.
December 14, 2010
It's hard to express what a huge hole Joyce's passing has left in the hearts of all of us in the Snohomish County theatre community, but we know her laughter, her wit and her most generous, honest, kind heart will be ever present within our walls. Joyce always reminded me of my Gram whom I lost a few years ago, so maybe they've had a chance to meet and cause a little havoc together. Rest well and in peace, Joyce. You will be in our lines, our lights, our hearts and our lives for a very long time to come, and we will speak well of you, and often, to anyone who will listen!
Jerry Lindgren
December 13, 2010
Susan, Steve and Sara please accept our deepest condolences. She always brought joy and happiness when she came to the island. What a character ro be around. We hope you and your families will keep coming to fill this void. Jerry @ Jeanne Lindgren-Lopez Island.WA
Spangler Rene and David
December 13, 2010
Joyce was "one of a kind". Thirty three years ago she was our real estate agent. She went "above and beyond" to find us our first home and made it a fun adventure. Her advice and guidance has stayed with us all these years and we are still in the same home. We are grateful for having met and known her.
Linnea R. Covington
December 13, 2010
I had the honor of knowing Mrs.Radke since I was 5years old. When we lived on the island I still remember her telling me to call her Joyce,I felt so grown up.She was one of the funiest persons Ive ever known,was great at Bible Study,worked so hard with EHT,loved to walk past our home (100yr+)and gave my hubby Chris great atta boys!She was so kind when my parents died and I took with great pleasure that she felt they would have liked my integity during hard times. We had great stories of Camp Fire times long ago and continued to ask what CF was doing now. What a fun angel! God Bless!
December 13, 2010
I had the great pleasure of living next door to Joyce for the past 13 years. In that time she became more than just a neighbor she was a friend. I came to know her as the voice from above. We would be working out in our yard and hear this voice calling to us to keep the noise down as she needed her beauty sleep. Of cource I knew this was not possible. Joyce was one of the most beautiful people I have ever known. I have admired her energy and intellagence ever since we met. She will be missed. Bob Wright
Nick Radke
December 12, 2010
Auntie Joyce was one of a kind. She was the most loving and enthusiastic woman in the world. She made my life all that much better for having been a small part of hers.
Bob Petershagen
December 12, 2010
The world has lost a GREAT lady. My condolences to the Radke family.
Mavis Bush
December 12, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Linda Brust-Smith
December 12, 2010
Sara,Sue & Steve,
As a neighbor and friend, I have many fond memories of your Mom, Shelly and entire family. I hope you find comfort in knowing they are together again. God bless you all. Linda
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