contributor: Richard LaBrosse

Special to the Press-Gazette  
1948  

Oconto Falls - Funeral services for Fred Radke, 77, who died in the Oconto Falls Hospital Monday morning following a short illness, will be held at 1:30 Thursday afternoon at the O'Neill Funeral home and at 2 o'clock in the Wilhelmwaldt Lutheran church in the town of Oconto Falls. The Rev Mr Schroeder of Bonduel will officiate. Burial will take place in the church Cemetery.

Mr. Radke was boen in Russia May 3, 1871, and came to this community 39 years ago. His wife, the former Agusta Draeger, whom he married in Russia in 1891, died 32 years ago. Mr. Radke worked in the lumber camps and also was employed in the paper mill here.

Survivors include one son, William, of the town of Oconto Falls, with whom he made his home at various times, 17 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

The casket will be carried by Herbert, Lawrence, Arthur and Fred Radke, Edward Baker and Robert Schroeder.

NOTE: What is not mentioned in this obituary is the heroic effort made by this man in saving the lives of the young neighbor widow, Mrs. Ernestine Muth Schindel, and the youngest of her eight children, Adolph. Fred Radke who lived across the road with his son William, saw the smoke coming from the Schindel home and ran over to help. He found both of them on the floor and dragged them outside. To read more about the incident, please click HERE