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BORN
1942
DIED
2023
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Kenneth Radke Obituary
Kenneth E. Radke, 80, of Findlay, passed away Friday, June 9, 2023, at Bridge Hospice Care Center, Findlay.
He was born Oct. 26, 1942, in Ste. Marie, Illinois, to Edwin and Monica (Ritz) Radke.
Kenneth married Charlene Radke on June 26, 1965, in Marion. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Ashland University in 1998. Kenneth retired from Gorman-Rupp in Mansfield as CAD-CAM Manager in 2008 after 34 years of dedicated service. After his retirement, he worked at Menards and was also President of the Villa's of Burberry for 10 years. Kenneth always exuded a positive attitude and thoroughly enjoyed teaching others and giving back to the community. He was a member of National Ski Patrol at Clear Fork in Butler, Ohio, for 41 years. During his time on patrol, he taught and mentored numerous ski patrollers. Under his leadership, the patrol achieved the honor as the Outstanding Patrol in the nation. He was also proud to coach several baseball teams, leading them to several championships.
In his spare time, he enjoyed playing golf with his wife, Charlene, where they had a friendly competition to see who could hit the straightest drive. He loved all sports and enjoyed taking several ski trips with family and friends. Kenneth earned from his family and friends the designation of "The Master Carpenter." He had a special talent of building furniture as early as high school and continued his passion for completing several home improvement projects throughout the years. He also had a love for animals including his beloved dog, Bentley.
Kenneth is survived by his wife of 58 years, Charlene Radke of Findlay; son, Allen (Julia) Radke of Plymouth, Michigan; daughter, Sherry (Scott Haag) Radke of Dublin, Ohio; grandchildren, Emma Radke and Amanda Radke; brother, Maurice (Vanna) Radke of O'Fallon, Missouri; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Maynard Radke, Lorraine "Bud" Radke, and Delmar Radke; and sister, Geneva Dhom.
Kenneth's celebration of life will be 1-4 p.m. Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Living Hope Church, 2515 Heatherwood, Findlay, Ohio, 45840.
COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay, has been entrusted with Kenneth's care.
Contributions in Kenneth's memory may be shared with Bridge Hospice Care Center, Findlay.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at coldrencrates.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Radke
Danny Schott
May 17, 2024
I was thinking of Ken today and as I always do, I goggle Ken. I was shocked to learn Ken has passed and is now with our friends and family in heaven . My wife and I lived and owned a home in Burberry Villas for six or seven years until we moved to Charleston SC where we own two homes one in Del Webb and just finished our home in Four Seasons. I know Ken would have appreciated the job my wife did building our home in Four Seasons, she did the entire building of this home and at the same time we moved her parents down from Tiffin Ohio to live in our Del Webb home so we can take care of them as they are now in their 80,s.
I was saddened to learn that Ken had passed away, I grew to have a respect for Ken as a gentleman and scholar and he was a man´s man that like me he adored his wife and best friend. We both loved cars and I am sad i didn´t get to show him my new Corvette and I own a few from 63, 81,2014, 2022, I can thank Ken for doing all the work he did as president of our board at the Villas he is responsible for all of our homes increasing in value. I really wish I would have known Ken had passed so I could have paid my respect to him and his lovely wife. Please accept my apology. May God Bless his family and bring peace to them .
Danny and Heather Schott
Charleston South Carolina
Karen and Dean Gerkens
June 23, 2023
Ken and Char have been very special friends and neighbors when we lived in Burberry. We are very saddened by Ken's passing and wish Char and her family many thoughts and prayers.
Charles Povlitz
June 17, 2023
Allen I am praying for you and your family during these turbulent times. May the lord be with you and look over your family with grace.
Marilyn & Chuck Povlitz
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Tom Seymour
June 16, 2023
Ken was always such a nice man. I enjoyed working with him very much. Rest in peace Ken.
Linda (Radke) Simmons
June 14, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Aunt Charlene and cousins Allen and Sherry to comfort you during this difficult time of loss. Uncle Kenny has shown such wonderful family strength and love. Forever thankful for his shared stories, expressing such admirable respect of others and joy of life. God bless!
Ken Rose
June 13, 2023
So sorry to hear about Ken passing.
He was a great friend, great ski partner, patroller, instructor. We will be sharing a lot of stories about his contribution to the ski patrol and support of fellow skiers.
Melvin Radke
June 12, 2023
So sorry to hear husband, father, uncle has passed. Memories last forever.
Melvin & Kim Radke
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Coldren-Crates Funeral Home - Findlay205 West Sandusky Street, Findlay, OH 45840
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