Racine- Lois L. Radtke, 77, passed away peacefully at Ridgewood Rehabilitation Care Center, on Sunday, February 3, 2008. Lois was born in Washburn, WI on April 29, 1930 to the late William and Myrtle (nee: Craft) Smith. Valedictorian of Washburn High School, she went on to graduate from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Marshfield. On May 31, 1952, she was united in marriage with the love of her life, Charles Radtke. She was employed as a registered nurse at the renown Marshfield Clinic, St. Mary’s Hospital and later at Siena Center in Racine from where she retired. Lois and Charles truly enjoyed living in Racine until retiring to their lovely home in Bullhead City, Arizona. While in Racine, they were members of Second Presbyterian Church. Lois was also a proud and active member of the Red Hat Society. Among her hobbies and interests, she had wonderful doll making skills; was fond of sewing, knitting, traveling, cheering on the Green Bay Packers and Racine Raiders, and was a world-class shopper who could sense out a sale from anywhere. Above all, Lois was always vibrantly active, busy and thoroughly enjoyed life – especially her family. Surviving are her loving husband of over 55 years, Charles of Racine; children, Bill (Sheryl) Radtke, Charla (Dave Lamar) Klinkhammer and Cindy (Luis) Villarreal; grandchildren, Stacy (Mike) Compagno, Charles (fiancé, Amy Kramer) Radtke, Melissa (Mike) Schmidt, Cheri Lee Villarreal, Trevor Radtke, Michelle (John) Avis, Brooke (Kevin) Thill, Heather (Brad) Ward, Kimberly Schulte and Joshua Schulte; great-grandchildren, Jordan Schmidt, Christopher Avis, Dylan Thill, Nicholas Thill, Isabella Thill, Walter Thill and Oscar Ward; sister, Carol (Eugene) Arnett; sisters-in-law, Karin Smith, Lois (Harold) Aschenbrenner and Elaine Wundrow; devoted friend, Barb Rigden; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Lois was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Norbert Klinkhammer; brother, Richard Smith; brother-in-law, Earl Wundrow; and in-laws, Ervin and Evelyn Radtke. In accordance with Lois’s wishes, cremation will take place. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held in the funeral home, 4600 County Line Rd., on Saturday, February 9, 2008 at 12:00 noon with Rev. Donald R. Clarke officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Saturday from 10 am – 12 noon. In memory of Lois, memorials to Wisconsin Alliance for Fire Safety – Summer Camp for Burn Injured Youth or to the American Heart Assn. have been suggested. A heartfelt note of thanks to our many family members and friends for the constant concern and support that was so warmly extended in our time of need. God bless all of you!
Bill and Sheryl Radtke says