Obit: Radke, Marvin Craig, Jr. #2 (1950 - 2011)

Contact: Dolores Mohr Kenyon

E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Radke, Whatley

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI.) January 12, 2011

Radke, Marvin Craig, Jr. (3 February 1950 - 8 January 2011) With flag

"Marv" or "Craig" as he was known to many, passed away quietly at his home in Eleva Jan. 8, 2011, at the age of 60.  Marv was born Feb. 3, 1950, to Marvin and Lois Radke, in Neillsville.  He graduated from Greenwood High School in 1968.

He served his country by enlisting in the U. S. Army 101^st Airborne Division.  He started in January 1969 and was honorably discharged in August 1970 after serving in the Vietnam War as a helicopter mechanic.  Marvin was awarded several commendations: Bronze Star, Army Conduct, National Defense Service, Expert Badge/Auto Rifle Bar, Sharpshooter Bar and Vietnam Service Medal.

He attended the "Vogie" Tech, as he called it, in 1971 and obtained a diploma in diesel mechanics.  Marvin worked hard throughout his life in the field of maintenance and as a mechanic.  Marvin had the gift of gab and would bend your ear as long as you let him.  He never missed a great bargain nor forgot to share his findings with others.  He enjoyed tinkering around the house, fishing, and helping his son Tim with various projects.

He is survived by his son, Tim; daughter, Sarah (Steve); his aunt Maxine; his mother, Lois; a sister, Cynthia (Greg); a niece, Carmen (Mike); a nephew, Steven; and two grandkids, Brett and Brook.  He also is survived by many close friends, which are too many to name.   He thoroughly enjoyed talking with them, and that meant the world to him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Marvin G. Radke; his favorite uncle, Cliff; his grandparents; many aunts, uncles and his friend, Victor.

Memorial services will take place at 3;30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, at Fuller-Speckien-Hulke Funeral Home, Eau Claire, with military honors following the service at the funeral home.  Pastor James Whatley of Peace Lutheran Church will officiate.   Friends may visit at the funeral home Thursday from 1:30 p.m. until the time of services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Marvin’s name to The Highground, where a stone has been place in his and his father’s honor, W. 7031 Ridge Road, Neillsville, WI 54456. For more information please visit http://www.thehighground.org/contribute/index.html.

Friends may offer condolences online at www.fuller-speckienhulke.com.

Fuller-Speckien-Hulke Funeral home, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.