Rita Dolores Radke

Franksville – Rita Dolores Radke, 70, passed away at home on Tuesday, September 15, 2009. She was born in Racine on January 26, 1939, the daughter of the late Robert and Mary (nee: DeHerra) Fischer. Rita was a graduate of St. Catherine’s High School, and was a Racine resident for most of her life. On May 5, 1962 she was united in marriage to Earl C. Radke. He preceded her in death on March 4, 1998. Family came first to Rita, and she was a wonderful mother who taught her children how to love. Among her many interests, she enjoyed fishing and cooking; her lasagna and fish fries will be remembered. She was an accomplished seamstress and always made special Halloween costumes for her beloved family. Mrs. Radke is survived by her children, Patricia Sue Lemke, Pamela Jean (Roger) Hays, Nancy Ann Radke, all of Racine, Otto Robert (Joanna Gonzales) Radke of Eugene, Oregon, and Oscar Raymond (Kelly) Radke of Summit County, Colorado. 13 grandchildren, Joseph (Rachel) Hulsey, Dustin Radke, Josie Hays, Jacob Hays, Henry Hays, Brandon Hulsey, Zachary Radke, Trista Hulsey, Lawrence Rakauskas, Lydia Hernandez, Devin Hernandez, Rachel Hernandez, Emma Radke, Bailey Radke, Eli Radke, and Sam Radke; great grandchildren, Angelica, Isabella, Leonardo, Skyler, and Lucas; She is further survived by her siblings, Mary Ann (Joseph) Biondi, Robert (Carol) Fischer, Tony (Carol) Fischer, and John Fischer; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She was also preceded by her grandson, Maxwell Radke; her brother, Charles Fischer; and sister-in-law, Sandy Fischer. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 21, 2009 at St. Louis Catholic Church with Rev. Steve Stradinger officiating. Burial will follow at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Sunday evening from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and in the church on Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Rita’s family has asked that Memorials to the American Cancer Society be considered. The Radke family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Vitas Hospice for their caring and compassionate manner in which they cared for our mom and all of our family.