LifeStory

Laurie Ann Radke

By Marya Brennan

Thank you for visiting. This is a place to share stories, memories, and photos, and to learn new things about the fabulous, witty, kind, and wonderful person we all love.

Please add a message to the LifeStory page, or contribute a response to the LifeQs section of the site. This memorial will always be available to come back to, so if you think of something new to share, feel welcome.



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. 

Laurie Ann Radke
Memorial
  • born

    Oct 8, 1954

  • died

    May 17, 2018

Cathy Radke
If one post with pictures is good, several are better.
Cathy Radke
As much as I tormented Laurie with a camera, I need to post many of these in her honor.... of her patience in not chasing me down because she would have won and for not breaking my camera or hiding it. She did not like having her picture taken and there are several pictures demonstrating just that. I'm glad to have lots of pictures because she left us way too early.... and I cannot imagine a world without her in it, if only in pictures. I love ya, Laurie - MORE.
Patty Maher
Laurie will be missed by the Maher Wessels family. We will always treasure the chances we had to spend time together. First at Mark and Marya's graduation from Oberlin and again a few years later for their wedding and then for a Christmas in Oakland. I will remember Laurie's smile, her serenity, her wit and especially her kindness. Sending much love to Marya, Eamon, her family and to all those who loved her.
Patty Maher and Michael Wessels

Laurie admiring the redwoods before the ceremony.

Jun 5, 2018

Lorraine Radke
Reuben and I are so sorry at the passing of Laurie Radke, as we knew her. Mary and Art , had a wonderful family and our visits to Michigan City were always fun. Laurie is our cousin on the Radke side, and we remember visits to Grandma Radke's farm, and of her family's love for Grandma. Art & Mary instilled within their children the love of many important things in life, mostly love for children, and for her immediate family. They paid her back, by giving of themselves when she needed them most-- their time and love. Even though we can't be there for the Remembrance Day, it is nice, right now, to see all the pictures of her. Our sympathy to the family of Laurie Radke. Love, Lorraine & Reuben Radke, Oconto Falls, WI.
Laurie Ann Radke
Memorial
  • born

    Oct 8, 1954

  • died

    May 17, 2018