LifeStory
Laurie Ann Radke
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LAURIE'S OBITUARY
Laurie Radke, 63, passed away in her home on May 17, 2018, surrounded by her family and cat. She was a remarkable human being - kind, patient, witty, and intelligent - and her loss is deeply felt by all who knew her.
She was born on October 8, 1954 to Arthur and Mary (Suchminski) Radke. In fourth grade, she read all the Agatha Christie novels in her school library. She graduated valedictorian from Elston Senior High School, and was the first in her family to attend college. She was the lead author of the Portable LaPorte County, a part of the LaPorte County History Project. She loved history - antiques, old houses, mid-century modern furniture, and mysterious family photos (to make up stories about). She watched Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, odd documentaries, and John Ford westerns; drank English breakfast tea, ate blueberries and dark chocolate, and could develop a passionate interest in anything, whether it was birds or architecture or ecology or the original King Kong. In her work, she was dedicated to ensuring safety, happiness, and dignity for adults with mental disabilities, most recently at her job with Dungarvin Indiana, where she spent twenty-five years.
Laurie was preceded in death by both parents, and is survived by her children Eamon and Marya (Mark) Brennan; and her siblings Chris (Diane) Radke, Jan (Forrest) Edwards, Jon (Nancy) Radke, and Cathy Radke; as well as nieces, nephews, and a grand-dog.
A memorial gathering will be held July 7, 2018 in the Indiana Dunes State Park. Find more information, write a message, or share a memory on her page at lifeposts.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of Laurie's favorite organizations: Indiana Landmarks, Planned Parenthood, or your local PBS station.
She got Ernie out of Fort Wayne.
Find more photos on the Overview page, and please feel free to add more to the comments below, or to the LifeQs page.
Cathy Radke
Patty Maher
Patty Maher and Michael Wessels