Wayne Dorrel Radke was born June 20, 1924 to Fred and Marie Radke in Cherokee County, Iowa, and arrived at his eternal home on June 2, 2017 at B.V. Hospital after suffering a heart attack. He was baptized June 26, 1924 and confirmed March 21, 1937 at St. John Lutheran Church, Hanover, where he was a member his entire life. Wayne attended St. John Lutheran parochial school and at the age of 18 he volunteered to serve in the United States Navy, serving his country during World War II in the South Pacific from 1943-46.  After an honorary discharge, he came home to work for area farmers and began his own farming in 1948.

    On March 5, 1947, he was united in marriage to Margaret C. Johnson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alta.  Their love for each other thrived through sickness and in health, and they celebrated seventy years of marriage on March 5, 2017.  God richly blessed this union with three daughters.  The couple farmed until 1986, at which time they retired to their home in Alta.  After moving to town and "retiring", he worked three years at the Alta Lumber Company, and ten years at B.V. Mutual Insurance in Storm Lake.

    Generous, kind and graced with a wonderful sense of humor, he made friends with everyone he met!  Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, he thoroughly enjoyed his time spent with the Barber Shoppers and a quartet made up of his brothers. He made sure his home was always filled with singing -- often Barbershop music and favorite hymns!  He was an active member of the V. F. W., Kiwanis, and the Alta Country Club.  Participating in the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in 2015 was a great thrill.  Other things that he especially loved were his annual fishing trip to Canada with his grandsons, golfing, playing cards and having 

coffee with his many friends.  His life was full and blessed!

    His greatest joy, however, was the time he spent with his family, comprised of his 3 children; Linda, Janet, and Marcia, 6 grandchildren (Mark, Scott, Jeff, Nathan, Zachary and Lindsay), 11 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. He was thoroughly loved by each of them!

    He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers (Erwin, Orville, Harold,Merle and Darrell), and sisters (Esther and Darlene).      He is survived by his wife Margaret, and two brothers, Donald and Leland. 

    A faith-filled follower of Christ, his confirmation verse is especially fitting.  "Be though faithful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life."  Rev. 2, verse 10.  Most certainly, he has joined his family and friends in his eternal home.

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