Dave Radke

Dave Radke at St. Paul native, passed away at his home this week surrounded by his family: his best friend, Joyce, who he married 52 years ago in Pierz, Minnesota; his children and their spouses, Sara & Andy Collova, Anne & Justin McNeal, and Jeff & Erin Radke; and the grandchildren he adored, August, Chase, Julia, Sam, Evelyn, and James. 

Dave Radke was a great man who was kind and loved by all. He retired as a 3M businessman more than twenty years ago. A favorite hobby of his was gardening. Over the years he grew huge quantities of tulips, daffodils, and roses in his Maplewood and St. Paul homes to cut and make into bouquets to share. Joyce baked countless pies with the apples and rhubarb that Dave grew that were always shared with friends. Joyce and Dave made wine together with the grapes from their backyard vineyard and those bottles of wine will continue to be shared for years to come. Dave was known for his striking blue eyes, his dimples and his gentle hugs. He taught archery, camping and fishing to his grandchildren and also local Scout Packs 461 & 95. Dave travelled the world and some of his favorite places to adventure were Alaska to fish, and Germany to reminisce his time in the army and his honeymoon with his beautiful wife. Dave and Joyce were a team who supported each other’s careers and always there to help one another. Joyce’s large Flicker family were an important part of his family. After retirement, Dave enjoyed bonfires and fishing with his grandchildren beside Wakefield Lake. 

Dave had a sharp mind and memory of his life adventures until the very end. This week, Dave said he had so many good memories he is reliving again and again from childhood to today. He was amazed how it stays with you. This Father’s Day, he told his children he was so happy having family together and that day he blew out his cake celebrating 78 years of life, then he declared “We have a good family.” 

Funeral Service will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 28, at PRESENTATION OF MARY CHURCH, 1725 Kennard St, Maplewood with visitation starting at 10:00 AM. In lieu of fresh flowers, please send flowers in pots that we can plant in Joyce and Dave’s backyard.