Obituary for Allen L. Radke

Al was born September 6, 1948, to the late Harold and Marcella (Zettler) Radke in Stratford, Wis.

Al was a man of many talents. After working at a junkyard in Auburndale out of high school in 1966, he then pursued a career as a lineman for Bell Telephone. He met his first wife, Kathy (Sherman) in Richland Center, Wis., and moved to La Valle where he was also a volunteer firefighter. This led Al to La Crosse in 1977, where he worked for Century Telephone and later met his second wife, Linda (Bahr) in 1982. They worked together until her time of death in 1989, after which he retired. He spent the following years being self-employed: building houses, electrical work, bulldozing, building furniture, restoring and collecting old cars, and always telling stories that would make you laugh. Most recently, if you needed Al, he could be found at the counter of knowledge, which is where his office was, solving all of the world’s problems. His best friend, Bear, his 100 lb German Shepard was often rewarded with his own sandwich from a trip to town.

Al will be deeply missed by Bear and his many friends.

He will be especially missed by his surviving family: his children and grandchildren, son, Troy (Dawn) Radke and their children, Casey Grunke and AJ; daughter, Angie (Ernie) Komperud and their children, Tanner (Sadie) Oldenburg, Cassidy Oldenburg, and Caden Shetler; daughter, Dana (Brandon) Howe and their children, Linda Schmitz and Hailey; son, Mathew (Caila) Radke and their children, Jack, Ryder, and Camden; and son, Collin (Jessica) Radke and their children, June, Virginia, Rosalee, and Ira; and his brother, Albert (Mary) Radke.

Al had so many people that valued his friendship and appreciated his vast knowledge of so many things. He could fix anything and was always willing to help a friend in need.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Gene Radke; sister, Bernadine Mews; and brothers Dennis, Kenneth, and Merlin.

A memorial service for Al will be held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Fredrickson Funeral Home, Jostad Chapel, 121 N. Youlon St., West Salem. A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m., until the time of service, Wednesday, at the funeral home.

A celebration of life will follow at Nick’s Bar in Barre Mills at 4 pm.

Online condolences may be offered at this site.