Marilou Radke

St. Joseph – Marilou Radke, 64, of Sister Lakes, Michigan passed away surrounded by her family on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 following a heroic 3 1/2 year battle with Leukemia. A Mass of Christian burial celebrating her life will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, September 25, 2006, at St. John’s Catholic Church, 600 Columbus Ave. in Benton Harbor, with Fr. Bill Jacobs, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family on Sunday, September 24th from 2:00-5:00 pm, with the rosary to be recited at 5:00 pm, at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd, St. Joseph 49085. Marilou was born November 30, 1941, to John D. and Evelyn (Schram) Sink in Benton Harbor, Michigan, who preceded her in death. She graduated in 1960 from St. John’s Catholic High School. Following graduation she attended Lake Michigan College. She worked in the Advertising business for a few years before choosing to spend the next 20 years proudly raising her four children. She retired as the Assistant to the Athletic Director at St. Joseph High School in 1998 after twelve years of service. On May 16, 1964, she wed Richard J. (Moose) Radke Jr., the love of her life and with whom she enjoyed 42 years of marriage. Over the years, they enjoyed wonderful times with great friends while dining, dancing and attending Notre Dame football games. Their love and dedication to each other was especially evident as they supported one another with the day to day challenges of her illness. Marilou was a passionate Notre Dame and New York Yankee fan. She was a proud and dedicated supporter of all her children’s many sports and activities. She loved to play tennis and was an avid reader. One of her simple pleasures included meeting for coffee with the “church ladies”. She was a long time member of Child and Family Services and parishioner of Sts. John & Bernard Catholic Church. And more than anything else, she cherished time with her family and grandchildren. Survivors include: her husband, and children Tammye (Dr. Robert) Raster, South Bend, IN; Julie (Greg) Park, Glen Gardner, NJ; Richard (Christie) Radke III, Cleveland, OH; Michael (Molly) Radke, Aspen, CO. She is also survived by the 16 grandchildren she adored: Catherine, Madeline, Meghan, John Patrick, Elizabeth, Mary Claire and Thomas Raster; Danielle, James, Katelynd, Audrey and John Park; Sydney, Christian, Claire and Luke Radke; and her sister Dr. Patricia (Dale E.) Quattrin, brother John (Diane) Sink, sister-in-law Angie Sink, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Marilou was preceded in death by her infant son Marc and her brother Richard Sink. Marilou’s strong Christian faith and loving ways were a wonderful example of a life dedicated to God, family and friends. She touched so many lives and will be greatly missed. Those wishing to share a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Memorials may be made to one or more of the following: Child and Family Services; Sts. John & Bernard Parish; Berrien County Cancer Service. Please send c/o Marilou Radke, Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085.