David Radke

David Harold Radke, age 85 of Neshkoro (formerly of Oconomowoc) passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026 at SSM St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac. David was born in Oconomowoc on July 30, 1940 to Harold and Addaline (Borchardt) Radke. He graduated from Oconomowoc High School in 1958 and went on to proudly serve his country as a member of the United States Navy and continued his service to our country in the Army Reserves. While in the service, he received the Richard Bong Award for his devoted service to his country. David was united in marriage to Karen Dorn on May 9, 1964 at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc; they were blessed with five children.

Dave initially worked for postal service and then became a police officer for the City of Oconomowoc; he retired after 29 years of faithful service to his profession and community. In 1996, he and Karen relocated to rural Neshkoro. In retirement, Dave was employed as a meter reader for Adams-Columbia, but filled the majority of time enjoying the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping especially on the Willow Flowage. He took great pride in attending and supporting his grandchildren in all their school activities and will be remembered for his sense of humor.

David is survived by his wife of 61 years, Karen and five children: Kim Italiano of Watertown, Kathy (Dale) Twardokus of Iron Ridge, Keith (Tammy) of New York, Kelly Smith and children of Elkhorn and Ken (Becky) of Eagle River. He is also survived by grandchildren: Rachel, Nicole, Karoline (Cody), Kevin (Amanda), Katie (Kyle), Kyle, Ean, Sean, Andrew, Owen (Chayce), Garrett (Cassandra), Julia (Nathan) and Lucas along with one great granddaughter. David is further survived by two sisters: Lois (Wally Parker) Radke and Phyllis Kottke, brother-in-law, Spencer Lueck and other extended family members.

David is preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Nancy Lueck, Carol (Claude) Rex, Sandra Braunschweig, Richard, infant Christine and his faithful four-legged companion, Ivan.

A memorial service for David Radke will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 12:00 noon at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, W1568 Evergreen Lane, Montello. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the hour of service. Pastor Bruce Hanneman will preside and inurnment will full military honors by American Legion Post #351 of Montello will follow the service in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to the family.

The family will host a visitation on Saturday the 24th from 12:00 noon until 3:00 PM at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 1650 Brown Street, Oconomowoc.

Crawford Funeral and Cremation Service of Montello and Oxford is honored to be serving the family. www.CrawfordFH.com