John Robert Radtke

           John Robert Radtke, 61 years old, unexpectedly went home to be with the Lord Saturday, March 30th,  2019. He was born January 30th, 1958, in Battle Creek, Michigan to Donna (Loncaric) and Leonard Radtke. He was one of seven children. The family moved to Makinen, MN, when John was at the age of one. He graduated from Aurora high school in 1976, after which he was hired by Eveleth Tac. In 1985 he married Faye Perttula from Duluth, MN. They were blessed with seven children: Stephanie, James, Brian, Joseph, Stephen, Daniel, and Julie. He was a devoted husband and father, attending his children’s activities every chance he could.

          John was passionate about many things, including the Lord, his family, and basketball. His love for basketball was unsurpassed. Anyone who knew him would attest to that. Bringing others into that passion, he never missed an opportunity to play with family and friends. Retiring from the game was never an option.

         Throughout his life, he had many occupations; he was a very resourceful man. When he was laid off from the mines, he took that as an opportunity to start his various entrepreneurial ventures which included (but were not limited to) trucking, farming, concession stands, and forestry work such as brushing and mowing. He was always considering what he could do next, even if his wife wasn’t always aware of his new idea until it was already in full swing. In all aspects of his life, he was not afraid to boldly make moves in a totally new direction. Failure was just another opportunity.

            His generosity reflected his love for the Lord throughout his life. He was very thoughtful with his friends in many ways, never seeking recognition for his selflessness.

            John’s sense of humor was quick witted. He enjoyed a good laugh, and would joke around with everyone often. Life with John was never dull: on any given day he might come home with a couple of elk, a limo, or a school bus—or two, or three. Even family vacations were an adventure. The memories of those times will never be forgotten.

            Although we know “absent with the body is present with the Lord,” he will be greatly missed by many.

             John was survived by his wife Faye; his children: Stephanie Radtke, James Radtke, Brian Radtke, Joseph Radtke, Stephen Radtke, Daniel Radtke, and Julie Radtke. Five brothers and one sister: Tom (Brenda), Bill (Linda), Dan (Teri), Nancy Rokser (Dennis), David, and Steve (Kristen); as well as many nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents and a sister in law.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 6th, at 12:30, at Heritage Trail Bible Church in McKinley, MN. Visitation will be held before the service from 10:30 am to 12:30.   Burial will be in the Rauha Cemetery in White Township, MN.