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William (Bill) Lee Radtke

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[July 25, 2023]    In loving memory of William (Bill) Lee Radtke, age 84, who passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2023.

Visitation:  9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday, July 17, 2023 at the Latham United Methodist Church

Service:   11 a.m. Monday at the church

Obituary

In loving memory of William (Bill) Lee Radtke, age 84, who passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2023.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial service on Monday, July 17, 2023 at the Latham United Methodist Church located at 241 Walnut St. Latham, Il 62543.

Officiant: Steve Lobb, Pastor of the Latham United Methodist Church.

Visitation: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Memorial Service: 11 a.m.

A luncheon will be served following the service, downstairs in the church basement.

A private interment will be held at a later time at Lake Bank Cemetery, Mt. Pulaski.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made out to the Latham United Methodist Church P.O. Box 24 Latham, Il 62543.

William L. Radtke

Well-loved, Family Centric, Playful, Friendly, Charming, Man of His Word


Bill was born in Bloomington, Illinois on May 21, 1939 to William and Sallie (Sivert) Radtke. Bill’s father immigrated to the United States from Charbrow, Germany and went through Ellis Island in 1923. Bill’s parents met in Bloomington, Illinois where they lived for several years. The Radtke Family moved to Elkhart, Illinois, when Bill was in first grade. Bill was a graduate of Elkhart High School in 1957.

Bill married Mary Ann Gasaway in 1975. They lived in Elkhart for a year until they finished building their home in rural Mt. Pulaski, where they have resided since 1976. Bill and Mary Ann recently celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary.

Bill worked as a Logan County Deputy, a Railroad detective for Norfolk and Southern and in construction. He had a passion for woodworking. When Bill built things, he built them to last. His other passion was mowing his yard. Bill took pride in having a nice-looking yard with the straightest lines. Bill also loved old cars and buying and selling vehicles as a hobby.

Funeral Director

Bill was a man of faith and highly involved in the Latham United Methodist Church. He served as church board chairperson and on the board for many years. He was involved with the famous mini donut tent that helped send youth group kids to church workcamps.

Bill was an excellent singer. He loved country music and church hymns. He sang in the church choir and sang at many weddings and funerals.

Survivors include his wife: Mary Ann Radtke, his children: Dawn Radtke, Tyler Radtke (Larry Fox), Chad (Lori) Radtke, Renee (Derek) Martin, his grandsons: Dean and Reed Martin and step-granddaughter: Jade Jennings. Several nieces and nephews, along with great-nieces and great-nephews, also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother John (Sue) Radtke, and sister Linda Scott, and his beloved pet Dottie Dog.

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