Funeral services for Sue Radke, 82, of Aurelia, will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Aurelia on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 10:30 a.m. with a lunch to follow at Aurelia Community Center. Visitation with the family present will be on Friday, Nov. 13, from 4-7 p.m. at the church. Redig Funeral Home in Aurelia is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in memory of Sue to St. Paul Lutheran Church or St. Paul Lutheran Church Ladies Aid, P.O. Box 278, Aurelia, IA 51005
Susan Jean Stille was born Aug. 14, 1944, in Storm Lake, to Jean and Jim Stille. She grew up on a farm in Schaller with her older brother Kent and younger twin sisters, Ann and Jan. She graduated from Schaller High School in 1962, where she was a hurdler in the first ever Iowa girls state track meet. She graduated from University of Northern Iowa with a degree in elementary education. She was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart Myron Radke on Aug. 13, 1966. Together they raised three children: Matt, Amy and Tom, who were her pride and joy. Her kids knew how lucky they were to be loved by her. She was their safe place, their comfort and the person who made everything feel a little brighter.
She poured her heart into every role she held. For 60 wonderful years, she shared life’s adventures with her beloved husband, Myron, standing beside him through every season. Sue’s face would light up whenever she saw Myron. She would smile at him even in her last days as her health declined. Together, they traveled to all 50 states, accumulating memories and enjoying the adventures of a lifetime. She loved being a coach’s wife and cherished all of the friendships they formed throughout their careers.
Perhaps her greatest joy was being a grandmother. She absolutely adored her grandchildren and treasured every opportunity to be a part of their lives. She cheered at their sports activities, attended dance recitals and played games with them. She delighted in celebrating their birthdays with a special cake and homemade signs full of photographs she had taken of them. Her grandchildren knew they were deeply loved and they will forever treasure their special memories with their Grandma Sue.
Her love for children extended far beyond her own family. Sue taught for many years in the Aurelia School district before retiring in 2007. As an elementary teacher, she loved her students and made a lasting difference in their lives. She would spend countless hours creating a warm and inviting classroom for students to feel encouraged and cared for every day.
Her faith was not simply something she believed in; it was something she lived every day. She joyfully served at St. Paul Lutheran Church by teaching Sunday School, visiting members at the nursing home, and being an active member of the Ladies Aid for many years. She found countless ways to share God’s love with others whether it be encouraging someone with a handwritten note, baking cinnamon rolls for others, or hosting her teacher friends for coffee. Sue remembered the little things, noticed when someone needed encouragement, and made ordinary days feel extraordinary.
Sue spent her life loving God, loving her family and loving others as well. To know her was to know warmth, kindness and comfort. She was a beloved wife and mother, grandmother, teacher and friend and will be greatly missed.
Sue passed away peacefully at The Gardens Assisted Living in Cherokee on Nov. 6, 2026.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Jean Stille; and her beloved brother, Kent Stille.
Sue is survived by her loving husband Myron; her children: Matt (Jody) Radke of Sheldon; Amy (Greg) Robertson of Marion; and Tom (Laura) Radke of Overland Park, Kan.; grandchildren: Mackensey (Cody) Sexton and children Easton and Avery; Payton (Olivia) Radke; Brennan Radke; Blake Radke; Breck Robertson; Kynley Robertson; Grace Radke; Kendal Radke; and Emma Radke; sisters, Jan Woodke and Ann Lubeck; and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful nurses and aides at the Gardens and Cherokee Hospice nurses, along with those at Cherokee Regional Medical Center.
