Betty Radke

Betty Jane Radke, age 82, of Siren, Wisconsin passed away Friday, December 4, 2015 at her residence. Betty was born July 20, 1933 to Joseph and Clara (Olsen) Jespersen at the General Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Betty was the fourth of six children. She spent most of her childhood life growing up in Manitowoc, Wisconsin before moving to Minneapolis, Minnesota where she graduated from Washburn High School. Her grandparents lived in Siren, Wisconsin where she would often vacation. This led to the courting and marriage to Ervin Radke on 22 July 1954. They had four children together and she was stepmother to two of his children. Betty was a home maker all of her life. She loved socializing and meeting new people every year during Christmas time. She had the opportunity to do so when she would be selling Christmas trees, wreaths, and firewood. She enjoyed the simple things in life. She loved listening to music, taking pictures, cooking, going to garage sales, reading and most important, spending time with friends and family. She loved her family and friends more than one would ever know and will remain in our hearts forever. Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Ervin Radke; her parents; children, June Radke, Charles Radke; step daughter, Kathy Hansen (Radke); sister; Carolyn Nielsen (Jespersen); and brother; Jack Jespersen. Betty is survived by her significant other, Robert Cairns; stepson, Wesley Radke; daughters, Barbara Radke and Cheryl (Greg) True; sister, Janet Decker; brothers, Jerry and Kenneth Jespersen; grandchildren, Debra Anderson (Radke), David Radke, Lori Blaido (Hanson), Jeff Hanson, Kristine Hill (Hanson), Andrea Pigman, Kevin Pigman, Samuel Pigman, Galen Pigman, Joseph Pigman, Leanne Pigman, Emily True, Logan True; and many other great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at 11:00am (visitation from 10:00am – 11:00am) at the Assembly of God Church, Siren, Wisconsin with Pastor Andy Bollant officiating. Pallbearers are Kevin Pigman, Galen Pigman, Samuel Pigman, Andrea Pigman, Leanne Pigman and Emily True. Arrangements were entrusted to the Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Siren, Wisconsin. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com