Curt Radke

Curt Radke, 68, Bismarck, peacefully passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2011, at his new home, the Good Samaritan Society in Bismarck. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing. A memorial service will be held at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, on Monday, January 2, at 2:00 PM. No viewing will take place. A gathering for the celebration of Curt's life will take place at the funeral home following the memorial service. Internment will take place at the ND Veterans Cemetery in Mandan on Tuesday, January 3, at 12:00 Noon. Curt was born June 23, 1943, in Beulah, ND, to George and Freda Erdmann Radke. He graduated from Golden Valley High and in June 1961 he proudly served his country in the US Air Force. He served his tour in Italy and returned to North Dakota in 1965. He married Mary Falk on August 4, 1966. Throughout his life, Curt lived in Bismarck, Fessenden, and Hazen. Wherever Curt called home, he made many good friends and countless lasting memories. Curt was a tried and true salesman throughout his whole life. He loved to "wheel and deal" and would often shake the dice to close a deal. Many of his early salesman years were spent on the road. He began working at Manny's Sports Center when it opened in Beulah. He was named sales manager and continued there until he retired in 1993. Curt's passions were fishing, hunting, and his family. He spent countless weekends camping with his family enjoying the outdoors. Those who knew him well knew that he was quick with a fish tale and even quicker with a "colorful" joke. Curt spent many hours on the road "hunting" with his cousin Jim. He also formed a fishing team with Jim and traveled to many lakes and rivers for tournaments. They were always "just out of the money". Once Curt moved to Bismarck, he spent many hours on the river with Kirk Perman. He also enjoyed many evenings spent outside visiting with Mike and Tyler or a supper out with his friend Jim. The family can never thank his cousin Jim, Kirk, Jim, Mike, and Tyler for their friendship. Curt is survived by his wife, Mary; and his children, Stephanie Jeff McGregor, Bismarck, Michelle Brent Radke-Hella, Fargo, and Kurt "Beast" Melissa Radke, Prescott, WI. Some of the most precious people in his life were his seven grandchildren, Taylor and Ashton McGregor, Sydney, Will and Alex Hella, and Delaney and Evan Radke. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Freda Radke. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the St. Alexius Kidney Dialysis Staff and the caregivers at the Good Samaritan Society for the kindness and compassion shown to Curt. Memorials are preferred to Good Samaritan Society or Bismarck Senior Center.

Curt Radke

June 23, 1943 - December 29, 2011