Freddy Radke passed away on May 23rd, 2020 at Saint Peter’s Hospital in Helena, Montana as a result of congestive heart failure. He was born Henry Frederick Radke on March 25th, 1940 in Spokane, Washington. He was the third child of William and Eileen Radke.
Father, Grandfather, loyal friend and proud Navy Veteran, Fred was a very personable man and made new friends everywhere he went; schoolmates, military, work, family gatherings. Friendships and history with those friends were especially important to Freddy.
Fred attended Catholic school in Helena and later joined the U.S. Navy at the age of seventeen. He served in the Construction Battalion (Seabee’s) and was extremely proud of his service, telling many stories of his life on Guam. It was during his military service that he earned his GED and a love for construction.
The Seabee motto of “Can Do” followed him throughout his life.
After the military, Fred became a journeyman carpenter and worked on various projects and houses in the Helena area before starting off on his own with a carpenter friend. He was known for his framing and remodeling skills and was one of the first in the Helena Valley to put metal roofing on area cabins. In the late 80’s and 90’s he created a few small businesses, most notably Freddy’s 25 cent car wash.
Freddy loved the Helena Valley, old cars, and funny jokes. He always had a joke, enjoyed old movies, and you better not bother him while watching his favorite team the Green Bay Packers. No matter the situation, he always brought laughter to the table. His sense of Humor was the Highlight of being around Freddy.
Fred was also an avid musician and singer and passed those skills along whenever possible. Fred always had a soft spot for both little kids and those less fortunate than himself. Kids made him laugh, and kept him young. In some ways he was nothing but a big kid himself.
Survivors include his children; Karen (Tom) Tenneson, Cindy (Justin) Janicke, Randy (Heather) Radke, Kenny (Catherine) Radke, Jeff (Ingrid) Radke, daughter-in-law Jana Radke and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by both his parents, his brother, Bill, his sister, Charlene, his son Frederick M. Radke and his grandson George H. Radke.
A Graveside Service with Military Honors is scheduled for 2:00 pm Friday June 5th, 2020 at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery Committal Shelter, Fort Harrison.Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Fred.
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Friday June 5, 2020
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroe's Rd.
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Friday June 5, 2020
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroe's Rd.
Ft. Harrison, Montana 59636
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Jerry Maddio says
Dear Radke family
I was sad to read of Fred’s passing, he was a dear friend to
Vince. Well Vince was there to welcome him home.
My condolences to you all.Jerry Maddio
Sidney Armstrong says
My prayers and deepest sympathy to family and friends. Freddie was my cousin, our grandfathers were brothers, both the sons of Thomas and Maria Cahill Cooney, young Irish immigrants who met and married in Iowa and came to Montana in a covered wagon, with a six month old baby, arriving in Virginia City in June, 1865. Later they came to the Helena area and established a ranch on the banks of the Missouri near Canyon Ferry. As children, we spent many happy hours swimming in Canyon Ferry Lake (after the first dam had been built in the 1920s, taking out the original homestead which was moved higher) and enjoying Fred and Fanny Cory Cooney(the well known artist and cartoonist), Fred;s grandparents and my great aunt and uncle. Though I had not seen him much in recent years, he was a terrific man andI I always had great affection for Fred. He will join many family and friends in a beautiful place now. May he rest in peace.
Rob and Norane Freistadt says
Sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. We have fond memories of him as he helped us on a number of projects remodeling 32 West Sixth and our home on Third Street. I also had the pleasure of tutoring his grandson and admired the interest he took in helping him.
Fred was always a kind soul when I saw him and I hope we can all remember that gift he gave us and pass it along to others.
Allen Stenhjem Family says
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with Fred and his family . Freddy, CHS Class of 1958 , Classmate ,Midget Greenie, Friend, God Bless …
Larry Hall Family says
Our sympathy to all of you in the loss of Fred. Always remember the good times you had with Fred during his lifetime.
Father Jeremiah Burr says
Dear Fiend since 1st grade, 1947! Endowed with a world class sense of humor, he entertained all of us for years. May he be welcomed to the “Father’s House”………bless you Freddy !! With thanks, Father Jerry Burr.
Kevin M Collins says
Dear Radke Family, I am sorry for the Loss of Freddy, We go back a long way and have been Great friends thru thick and thin, I always enjoyed my time spent with him, He had come to my rescue many times and am forever Grateful to him for that. His sense of Humor was the Highlight of being around him….. From the Group Therapy Room to all of Watters Const Job we were on together…..” Always The Can Do Spirit” ( SEABEES ) May you rest in Peace !!
John & Cherie Dahl says
Fred was a friend from Jaycee days. Our thoughts and prayers 🙏 go out to the family.
Thomas Juhl says
Sorry to hear of Fred’s passing, knew Fred when I was in high school, then later we worked together. R.I.P. my friend……..
Tom Devine says
very sorry to learn of Fred’s passing. We had been friends since kindergarten, grade school and high school. We rode our bikes fishing 10 mile creek, both had paper routes with Butte Standard and IR, and many adventures roaming the wilds of the SouthHills. Fred was my best buddy as a youngster, and great friend through the years. A most generous man a a superb craftsman. I left Montana for many years, but we would reconnect at our class reunions. Fred helped my Dad several times through the years and would check up on them when Dad was not able to repair things in the house. Freddy was a terrific guy and I will miss him. Rest in peace.
Kathy Dyer says
I am so sorry to read of Freddies passing. I, also am a member of the Cahtedral Class of 1958 and loved visiting with Freddie at our reunions. I loved his for his sense of humor. I went on one date wiith him in High school and laughed so hard, I thought I had appendcitis. Kathy KYer
Sharie Babb says
Sending condolences and hugs and prayers for all of you!
Pat Collins says
Freddy with the “infectious laugh”! Wow what a Life ! This country is proud of your service and the service of all Veterans. Thank you Shipmate, and may you rest in peace.
James B “ Jim” McCabe says
Have known Freddy for over 75 years. Always look forward to seeing him when I visited Helena. He will be missed.
Mary Kay Konola says
I am very grateful to Fred for helping me with my son when he was ill. He was a great neighbor & friend. He was there to help whenever needed. I will miss Fred as my neighbor & friend.
Eugene and Charlene Jonart says
We will miss Fred. Spent many a day talking with him on our many trips to Montana.
We will never forget the many boat excursions Fred took us on with Pat and Ruth to the Gates of the Mountains to see wildlife. I still make what I call “fred potatoes” when I grill outdoors. Two of our boys also make them.
Our prayers go out to Pat, the boys, their wives and children.
Sherry Dee Hall says
My heart goes out to my cousins, the rest of Fred’s family & friends. I am so sorry for your loss & I hope that you are comforted by your good memories of Fred. I will always remember Fred’s laughter & jokes at family gatherings. Rest in peace Fred. I am sending my love & deepest sympathies to all of you!