Ret. Col.Galen Wayne "Mike" Radke, 80, died Friday, January 30, 2009 at the Mease Countryside Hospital in Palm Harbor, Florida. He was born in St. Joseph, Missouri on June 4, 1928, the son of Gahardt and Emile Mueller Radke. He graduated from Centeral High School and Northwest Missouri State College.
Mike was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army in 1953, and joined Special Forces in 1960 and has had a variety of assignments, retiring in 1986 having spent the last five years of military duty as Army Attache to the Philippines.
He has been married for 36 years to Margaret (Marge) John of Clearwater, and is survived by a daughter, Valerie Ann Brown, of Seattle, WA; a son, Jack, and his wife, Carla, of Orlando, FL; and his three granddaughters: Janae, Mariah, and Selena. He is pre-deceased by a sister, Adelaine, and brother, Marvin, both of St. Joseph, MO.
Mike was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Loyal Order of Moose, the Special Forces Association, and the Military Officers Army Association. He loved to travel with his wife in their RV, visiting family and friends throughout the country, and also had a passion for football.
Military honors are presently being arranged with Arlington National Cemetery later this year, and arrangements have been entrusted to Veterans Funeral Care, 15381 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760.
With each memory
We meet again with those we love.
For the heart never forgets.
Our love and prayers and thoughts are with you.
My Grampa was the best! I love him so much!!!! I miss him really bad! i love you grampa!
Dad I am going to miss our conversations on the phone. I will always be your girl. I am sorry I was not there to tell you one more time that I loved you. My heart breaks, but I know you are in a better place, remembered by God for all the good things you did in your lifetime. I love you Dad. Annie
We are both happy to have been your friends even for such a short time. Thanks for all the extra things you did for us. God Bless.
Marge-
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family during this very difficult time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
On behalf of the Mid-Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America I extend our deepest sympathy to our departed brother. Mike’s valor as a Green Beret and his service to our country are deeply appreciated.
Mike is forever close to us in our hearts and minds. He will especially be remembered for his sacrifices he made protecting our freedom. May God Bless Mike, Marge and family.
My fondest condolences to you and your family, Marge. Mike was a wonderful man. He epitomized the word “soldier.” He endured his late life illnesses in the same strong manner in which he fought. May he rest in peace. Love, Niecie
hi i new my granpa was the best granpa in the whole world ! i love him!!!
hi iknow that my granpa was the best! to me he was the best granpa in the whole world!
My grandpa was a great man and a awesome grandpa i loved him so much!
A most heartfelt condolence from an old classmate.
Grandpa i’m sorry that i couldn’t be there to say that i’m sorry and that i love you…i know we’ve had our differences but you’re still my grandfather and i’ll always love you and now a piece of me is missing…i love you and i’ll never forget you cause you tried your best to help me go in the right path and i wanted too cause i looked up to you as a mentor…i love you grandpa and we’ll miss you.
Grandpa i’m sorry that i couldn’t be there to say that i’m sorry and that i love you…i know we’ve had our differences but you’re still my grandfather and i’ll always love you and now a piece of me is missing…i love you and i’ll never forget you cause you tried your best to help me go in the right path and i wanted too cause i looked up to you as a mentor…i love you grandpa and we’ll miss you.
My grandfather was a great and caring man he was an amazing soldier and he always had great stories to tell.I will always have memories of him in my heart. Janae Radke
I served with Colonel Radke with SOG at Kontum in 1971. He was the Commander of CCCTF2AE and a very fine one. I have pleasant memories of him and will always respect him. RIP Sir. Lowell Stevens
Galen and I are 2nd cousins. We started 1st grade together, at Musser school. We lost touch at an early age, but I remember him as always bright and cheerful, and can understand the great love his friends and family have for him.
Memories of better times are always with us and memories of Mike are special and often. He was a wonderful and caring man who will always be in our thoughts. Our love and condolences to Marge. Mike was a wonderful friend and will never be forgotten.
Carrol, this is my 2nd cousin from St.Joe MO.I started 1st grade with him. Have not seen him since age 14. Thought you might be interested. A Green Beret, special Ops in Viet Nam. Impressive.
Jim
Hello Marge:
So sorry to hear of Mike’s death. I will always have very good memories of him always an officer and a gentenman.
Mrs Radke–My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I had the honor of serving with your husband in Vietnam and only learned of his passing today. He was a great soldier and leader.
Rest In Peace Colonel and god Bless your family.
I will always be your Sergeant Major and never forget the good times we had working together. Our deepest
sympathies to your lovely
family
Uncle Mike – I wanted to wait until today to honor you so that I might focus not on our loss but in the celebration of your spectacular life. For all the joy and pride you gave your family, for the selfless service you gave to your country and for the unwaivering respect you had for human kind – your mark on this world will be felt through generations to come – seen not only in your children and grandchildren but those of the others you have touched during your earthly journey. There are neighbors and soldiers and diplomats and countless citizens of foreign nations that are richer for having known you. I count myself among the blessed and thank the Lord for allowing me to share your life. I will miss you forever. Debi
I never got to know my great grandpa, but im sure he was a wonderful guy and a great soldier, I love u grandpa and may u R.I.P.
Marge,
So sorry to learn if your loss. Call me sometime. I would love to reminisce with you about days at Kennedy BOQ Fort Jackson.
Rest in Peace COL. All the best to your family.