Ralph H. Radke

Ralph Herman Radke was born July 27, 1922, in Alta, Iowa, the son of Carl and Anna (Hustedt) Radke. He was baptized August 13, 1922 and confirmed July 5, 1936 at St. John Lutheran Church in Hanover, Iowa. Ralph attended school in Galva and graduated in 1941.

Ralph farmed northeast of Galva. On January 26, 1947, Ralph was united in marriage to Selma “Sally” Frahm at St. John Lutheran Church in Cushing, Iowa. To this union four children were born: Dennis, Jacquelyn, James and David.

Ralph and Sally farmed until 1983 when they moved to Storm Lake, Iowa. Ralph enjoyed working summers for the City of Storm Lake park department. In 1993, they moved to their home in Galva. Ralph had many interests throughout the years. For several years, he and Sally helped deliver Meals on Wheels in the Galva area. Ralph was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Galva and was involved with its construction and completion in 1949. Ralph was a voting member at St. John’s and was a trustee for several years. In later years, when Ralph was not actively involved in farming, he was an avid reader of agricultural publications. Ralph’s life was devoted to his faith, his family, agriculture and working with animals. In 2007, he and Sally were honored to be elected to serve as king and queen for Galva’s 125th anniversary celebration.

Ralph is survived by his children, Dennis Radke of Cherokee, IA, Jacquelyn (Raymond) Franz of Schaller, IA, James (Kathryn) Radke of Clarion, IA, and David (Janda) Radke of Galva, IA; eight grandchildren, Clint, Chanda, Kristine, Debra, Rebecca, Nathan, Seth, and Samuel; six great-grandchildren; his niece, Karen (Joseph) Casey of Chanhassen, MN; sister-in-law, Betty (Dick) Christiansen of Newell, IA; brother-in-law, James Frahm of Marshalltown, IA; sister-in-law, Joann Frahm of Galva, IA; and many extended family members and friends.

Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Sally of 68 years; parents; sister, Lydia Lehmann and Orville; an infant brother; and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law.