Elmer Radke

Elmer Radke March 12, 1919 - September 16, 2008

Elmer R. Radke, age 89, of Faribault, died Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at the St. Lucas Care Center in Faribault. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 19, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, at Sacred Heart in Faribault with the Rev. Kevin Finnegan, pastor officiating. Interment will be held at the Calvary Cemetery, Faribault. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday for one hour prior to services. Memorials are preferred to the Faribault Senior Center or the Divine Mercy Catholic Church Building Fund. Arrangements are being completed by the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault. Elmer Raymond Radke, the son of Theodore and Eda (Wyman) Radke, was born on March 12, 1919 in Dodge Center, MN. Elmer''s father died when he was five years old and in 1930 Elmer became a resident of the Faribault Regional Center. He lived there until 1969 when he was released and with the assistance of Myron and Peg Palmer was able to find an apartment to live in. Elmer also took a job at the Regional Center and worked there until his retirement in 1984. The Palmers managed Elmer''s affairs until their deaths in 1989, when Don and Jeanette Reuvers took over and have been caring for him ever since. Elmer enjoyed eating dinner at the Senior Center and loved the way that everyone treated him in a loving and caring manner. Elmer loved to fish and loved nature. He was very knowledgeable about both. He also enjoyed sports of all kinds and was especially fond of Notre Dame and was an avid fan. Elmer was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #889 in Faribault. He is survived by special friends, Donald and Jeanette Reuvers of Faribault and John Mucha of Faribault and many other friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Walter Radke and three sisters, Elsie Alkire, Gertrude and Anna.