Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service
Thomas Ray Radke, 81, passed away peacefully in Bozeman, MT on January 31, 2024. He was born in New Ulm, MN on April 9,1942, to parents Rae Radke and Leola (Walz) Radke. His family moved to St. Paul, MN in 1952, where he graduated from Washington High School. In 1961, Tom began working for 3M, but was soon drafted into the US Army. He served from 1963 to 1965. On returning from service, he continued to work at 3M, where he found he had a special talent in sales.
In 1967, he met Carole Hruby and her 2-yr-old daughter, Karen, and they soon married. Living in St. Paul, they had a son, Aaron, and shortly after moved to Phoenix, AZ, where Tom continued his career in sales. They moved back to Minnesota in 1973 and were divorced in 1978.
Tom resettled with his son in Stillwater, MN and while pursuing a fruitful career with 3M, was able to enjoy his love of golfing, fishing, boating, and skiing. His cousins, Bob and Dick Rengstorf were constant companions, as were the many life-long friends he met playing golf.
In 1978, he met Shirley Johnson and in 1980, they married. They spent many fun filled years together, traveling across the world and sharing good times with friends and family. They were members of St. Andrews Lutheran Church, and it was there that Tom nourished his faith. Because of their love for skiing and the outdoors, they spent much of their time visiting Big Sky, MT and in 1984 purchased a condo there. It was during this time that he found a love for motivational speaking, which became a passion and another career for him. Tom and Shirley divorced in 1993, but he remained in Stillwater, MN pursuing his career, until retiring in 1997. It was during this time that he met dear friend Chris Gardner and they spent several years together in the company of close friends, living life to the fullest. Although retired, he dedicated a lot of his free time to running his own small company selling matting and cleaning supplies, which he showcased at the Minnesota State Fair.
After many years spent between Minnesota and Montana, in 2008, Tom finally decided to make Big Sky his permanent home.
Tom loved Big Sky. He loved the beauty of the surrounding mountains, the beauty of nature, and all the life within it. He also loved the many close friends he made in Big Sky and was very proud to be a part of the American Legion there. His lifelong friend, Mary Ellen Rathmanner, was often at his side and they spent much of their time travelling and enjoying a fun, stress-free life of retirement.
Tom's sense of humor and wit, immensely positive attitude, his belief in living life to the fullest, and his big heart filled with gratitude will always be remembered and cherished.
He is survived by his son, Aaron Radke, daughter Karen (Radke) Pacholl, son-in-law Rick Pacholl, and grandchildren Allison and Zachery Pacholl. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Mary. There will be a gathering, in celebration of Tom's life, in Minnesota, announced in the next few months.
Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. www.dokkennelson.com
LINKS
Pioneer Press
https://www.twincities.com
Bozeman Daily Chronicle
http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com
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