James "Jim" Radke

Dates

August 4, 1938 - May 3, 2024

Obituary

James “Jim” Radke, 85, of Mitchell, SD, died Friday, May 3, 2024, at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 AM on Thursday, May 9, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Mitchell. Burial will be at Servicemen's Memorial Cemetery in Mitchell. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5-7:00 PM at the Church with a 6:30 PM prayer service. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

A live stream of Jim’s Funeral Mass can be viewed at: https://mitchellcatholic.org/whats-new/livestream

James Leo Radke was born August 4, 1938, on the family farm near Parkston, SD, to Kenneth and Josephine Neubel Radke. He attended school in Parkston and then in February 1958 he joined the US Navy. Jim married his high school sweetheart, Grace Wermers on December 27, 1960 in Dimock. Their courtship began with attending Dimock dances and going to Milltown on Sunday afternoons. They loved to travel to different states and countries.

Jim started out farming with his dad and brother until going into building construction and started J&B Construction and shortly after Radke Construction. He loved to build something and enjoyed showing his work. Jim continued working until the end. He was an avid outdoorsman, gardening and hunting. He found great joy and pride in his children and grandchildren and the family get togethers.

Jim was a founding member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church where he was a 4th degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus. He was a longtime supporter of LifeQuest, the Abbott House, John Paul II School, and was an Elk’s member.

Jim is survived by his daughters: Nancy (Loren) Adema of Sioux Falls, Lisa (Scott) Mehlhaff of Sioux Falls and Kathy (Jim) Massa of Winner, 7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, brothers: Paul Radke, Denny (Mary Jo) Radke, sister, Kay (Barra) Birrcher and special niece, Jean Nelson.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Grace, sister Dorene and sister-in-law, Linda.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to John Paul II Elementary School, LifeQuest, Abbott House, or the VFW.

Visitation(s)

Date
Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Time
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Location
6:30 PM Prayer Service

Holy Spirit Catholic Church
1401 W Cedar Ave
Mitchell, SD 57301

Service

Date
Thursday, May 9, 2024

Time

Location
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
1401 W Cedar Ave
Mitchell, SD 57301

Cemetery

Servicemen's Memorial Cemetery
Mitchell, SD

Posted by Cheri DeSchepper Oleske on June 13, 2024

Jim was such a great man. When my parents bought their beautiful lake home Jim was there to make everything great. Mom would just have to tell him what she wanted and he’d figure out how to do it. My parents respected him and leaned on him so much. He was “their” go to for any remodeling project at either taco johns or the holiday inn restaurant and lounge. He was a man you could count on for everything. Jim continued to help us out after Dean.and LaVonne passed and was always helpful with everything that came up at the lake home and at taco John’s. Jim will truly be missed by all but what a great life he led. Enjoy your heavenly reward Jim

Posted by Pam Stransky on May 15, 2024

So sorry for your loss, Jim was a good man and a wonderful neighbor!

Posted by Kay Radke Birrcher on May 9, 2024

Love and PRAYERS to ALL the Family of Jim & Grace at this difficult time of loss! LOVE, Kay, Barra and Family.

Posted by Dr/ John and Sonja VanErdewyk on May 8, 2024

We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Jim will be greatly missed. He helped us remodel our house and many times we sought out his expertise and advice. He and Grace were an amazing couple. Jim was a good and faithful servant to God, country, his family and his community. Sending many prayers❤️🙏

Posted by Bob Schlimgen on May 8, 2024

I worked with Jim at Anderson Lumber Company during the three summers 1961-63. He was kind, considerate, helpful and great humor. Gerald Heier was our supervisor. Gerald's work style was extraordinary fast and strong. Jim's humor was a great counter to our supervisors harshness. He fixed my Aunt Dee Gebhart's leaking roof and never charged her. Dee and Grace were first cousins. The roof leak is secure 20 years later. Thank you Jim. Bob Schlimgen

Posted by Cody Larson on May 8, 2024

Jim was one the good ones. I our visits and he was a great neighbor and a better man. I sure am go to miss you neighbor but at least you are with Grace now. Rest easy my friend.

Posted by Mary Freeman on May 8, 2024

Jim was one of Mitchell's finest, both as a very caring person and a great craftsman. He was a great mentor to his crew and I know treated them like family.

Posted by Kelly Frederick on May 7, 2024

I am so very thankful for Jim and Radke Construction. Jim was one of the most kindest men I have I ever met. His love for his family radiated out of him when he spoke of them. His love for building was evident in his perfection of the craft. He was sweet, kind, and caring but most of all he was funny. He took what could have been very stressful times and put his clients to ease. I will be forever grateful for having him in my life.

Posted by Dave Strohmayer-Rural Office of Community Services on May 7, 2024

Jim had done some work at the building we were located in. Got to know him, kind person. So sorry for your loss. ROCS deepest condolences.

Posted by Karla Kokesh on May 6, 2024

Jim was so kind and caring. He was a true gentleman and a true joy to visit with. With my deepest sympathy 🙏🙏

Posted by Mike & June Wenande on May 6, 2024

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jim was an amazing man. We always enjoyed visiting with him. He was so proud of his family,and his grand children. Hugs to you all.

Posted by Tim and Karen Harrington on May 6, 2024

Nancy and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you!! May your dad finally be at peace!! ❤️🙏

Posted by Linda Neugebauer on May 6, 2024

Sending my thoughts and prayers to Jim's family. He was the nicest man.

Posted by Willie and Kay Schoenfelder on May 6, 2024

Sending our sympathy to Jim’s family. 🙏🙏🙏

Posted by Gregg and Jody Brower on May 6, 2024

Our sympathy to the Radke family. Jim was a wonderful man and a great mentor, boss and friend to Gregg. He and Grace were very giving to us and many others in the Mitchell area. We were honored to be able to move into their West Third home and made many fun and wonderful memories there. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you go thru this sad time. But cherish the memories and know that your Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa was a very respected and giving man.

Posted by Travis & Sarah Koehn on May 5, 2024

Our sympathy to the entire family. Jim is a role model and inspiration to us. Sending love and prayers.

Posted by Doc Lucio and Claudette Margallo 11 on May 5, 2024

A very honorable, respected and a real gentleman. RIP Jim and thank you for your service to our country, church and community. You are a BUILDER.

Posted by Dennis konechne on May 4, 2024

What an all around good guy.

Posted by Mariella Boehmer on May 4, 2024

blessing Jim

Posted by Doug Sommer on May 4, 2024

Known Jim and the Family my whole life. He was a good man.

My thoughts go out to the family.

Posted by Carol Millan on May 4, 2024

Such a kind guy and craftsman. Prayers for his family.

Posted by Pete Weins on May 4, 2024

Our sympathy to your family Our thought with you.

Posted by Hollie Karber on May 3, 2024

To Jim's family, I am so sorry for your loss! I have a lot of fond memories growing up a neighbor to the Radkes, sending hugs and prayers!