Elmeree Jean (Schrader) Radke

Elmeree J. Radke, age 91, of Holstein, passed away on Sunday, June 26, 2022 at the Horn Memorial Hospital of Ida Grove.  A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 01, 2022 at 2:00 PM at the St. John’s Lutheran Church of Galva with the Rev. Paul D. Egger officiating.  Burial will be at the Holstein Cemetery of Holstein.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service starting at 1:00 PM at the church.

Elmeree Jean Radke was born January 25, 1931 to Elmer and Nina (Brady) Schrader in Monticello, Iowa.  Her childhood was spent in Eastern Iowa before moving to Aurelia, Iowa in 1942.  The family moved to Galva, Iowa in 1945 and she attended school in the Galva Community School District.

Elmeree married her soulmate, Virgil Radke in 1947.  Virgil and Elmeree moved to a farm north of Holstein.  To this union four children were born: Penny, Mike, Tom and Lisa.  After Virgil’s passing in May, 1963, Elmeree and her children moved to Holstein where she took a job at the Holstein Cooperative Elevator, retiring in 1996 after 30 years of employment.

Bringing love and joy to her life were her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, crossword puzzles, card clubs, bus tours and Lawrence Welk.  She will always be remembered for her deviled eggs, peppernuts and jellybean jar.

Survivors include children: Mike (Anita) Radke, Galva; Tom (Gladys) Radke, Mantorville, MN; Lisa (Brian) Cronin, Holstein; 11 grandchildren: Scott (Melissa) Radke, Jenna Radke, Steven Radke, Taylor (Kassi) Radke; Jason (Carissa) Schwickerath, Joshua Schwickerath, Jillian (Kyle) Schmillen; Lexa (Jake) Hawkins, Darci (Steve) Kuhns, Renee (Joe) Williams, Kari Cronin; 15 great-grandchildren; and in-laws: Mary Radke, Arlo Dean and Margaret Radke, Lee and Bev Radke, several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Elmeree was preceded in death by Virgil, Penny, granddaughter baby Radke, great-grandson, Marshall Williams, her parents, Virgil’s parents Albert and Dorretta Radke, in-laws, Wilbert and Elsie Otto, Kenneth Radke and Wendell Radke.

Despite the many challenges Elmeree endured throughout her life, she remained faithful, honest and dedicated.  May she rest in peace.