Rae Jean Radke

Rae Jean Radke, 73, of Elba, died Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, at the St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Elba. The Rev. Ray Kosmicki will officiate. Burial will be in the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Elba. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church, with a 7 p.m. vigil service. Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul is in charge of the arrangements. Mrs. Radke was born on May 5, 1939, at St. Paul, the daughter of Raymond T. and Vivian L. (Verley) Panowicz. She was united in marriage to Richard J. Radke on Sept. 6, 1958, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Elba. He preceded her in death on Jan. 2, 1996. She is survived by five sons and daughters-in-law, Rich and Lori Radke of Grand Island, David Sr. and Beckie Radke of St. Libory, Dan and Deb Radke of Fullerton, Steve and Kristina Radke of Elba and Doug Radke and his friend, Jodi Whelan of Grand Island; two daughters and sons-in-law, Serena and Joe Chavez of Shelton and Shana and Jeff Miller of Grand Island. She is also survived by 19 grandchildren, David Jr., Jesse, Jason, Justin, Jarrod, Joe, Taylor J., Taylor M., Thaddeus, Kiaya, Maycee, Brexton, Amber, Nicole, Nate, Nick, Nolan, Nevan and Deirdre; and 7 great-grandchildren, Jordan, Gracie, Caden, J.J., Aidan, Sylar and Aisha. Rae Jean lived in Elba her entire life. She graduated from Elba High School in 1957. She was employed at the Cornhusker Army Ammunitions Plant from Oct. 1966 until its closing in 1972. In Sept. 1978, she went to work at Delicious Foods in Grand Island where she worked until being injured in Dec. 1995. She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and the Council of Catholic Women in which she served as the secretary and treasurer. She was also a very active member of the Senior Citizens group in Elba. She enjoyed her church, playing cards, Bingo and loved spending time with family and friends. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; and infant daughter, Michelle Marie Radke; and a sister, Kathy Christensen. Memorials are suggested to the family’s choice.