OBITUARY FOR JOAN ELIZABETH RADKE
Joan Radke (Simola) was born Sept 25th, 1947 in Duluth to William and Jackie Simola. The oldest of 6, she loved her siblings very much. After graduating from Two Harbors High School, she moved to the cities and worked a number of jobs in her career including Blue Cross/Blue Shield where she met her future husband, Jim. She also worked at WCCO where she was briefly an on air personality, and Raygo Corp until they were bought out. Joan volunteered her time and was the first female reserve officer for Champlin Police Department. She and Jim raised 2 daughters (who will miss her terribly) in Champlin, MN. After the kids were grown her and Jim made their home in AZ until his passing in 2007. She had made so many wonderful friends she chose to stay. Years later she met her longtime boyfriend, Vern, while volunteering at the local Legion post.
She was never afraid to tackle new challenges, playing in both softball and bowling leagues. She loved fast cars, singing, dancing, and later in life collecting antique dolls, bingo, and making jewelry. She was passionate in her beliefs and wasn't a bit shy about telling you what they were. Her feistiness, smile and welcoming personality will be sorely missed by many.
Joan is survived by two daughters- Michelle Giese (Toby) and Joan Radke Keiner (Eric). Four grandchildren whom she loved endlessly- Ally, Dylan, Cam and Logan. Sisters- Susan (Eric), Karen, Debbie(Carl), and Bobbie (Larry), brother Terry (Mary), longtime boyfriend- Vern, and MANY friends.
Preceded in death by her mother, father and husband.
A celebration of life is planned from on November 6th from 1pm-3pm at American Legion post 62 in Peoria. A small ceremony will be held at Ft Snelling in the spring in Minnesota.
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1947 - 2023 (76 years)
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