Carl Tobias “CT” Radke, 87, of Russell, Kansas, died on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at the Wheatland Nursing Home in Russell.
Carl was born in Hoisington, Kansas, the son of Tobias and Amelia (Bitter) Radke. He grew up in Milberger, Kansas, and graduated from Russell High School in 1954. After high school he joined the United States Navy serving on the USS Battleship Missouri. After serving his country, he met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Margaret JoAnn Boele on December 26, 1971. From this union Carl and Margaret were blessed with two children, son Michael and daughter Pam. Carl worked with Radke Implement in Milberger from 1955 to 1965. Later he worked as owner and operator of his own contract pumper business and also worked as a farmer and rancher. He was a longtime member of the United Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Milberger and was on the church council. He was also a member of the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 and manager of the rural water district #3. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, fishing, hunting, camping and singing in the church choir. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.
Surviving family include his son Michael Radke and wife Jodi of Russell, Kansas and daughter Pam Rowell of Milberger, Kansas; brother Vernon Radke of Russell, Kansas; sisters Norma Koehler of Kansas City, Missouri and Rosalinda Addington and husband Dale of Topeka, Kansas; 4 grandchildren James Rowell, Kasey Radke, Michaela Suchy and husband Kelton and Jonae Radke and great granddaughter Layla Suchy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Margaret on January 04, 2010 and sister Doris Steinert.
A celebration of Carl’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, May 02, 2023, at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Russell, Kansas. Burial will follow at the Milberger Cemetery in Milberger, Kansas. Military honors will be presented by the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Monday, May 01, 2023, at the mortuary with family greeting guests from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Monday evening. Memorials may be given to the Russell Senior Center and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.