Michael W. Radke was born on June 9, 1969 in Bremerton Washington. Michael Wayne Radke was raised by his loving parents Wilmer and Doreen (Johnson) Radke. He talked fondly about many of the memories that he had while growing up. Many of his best memories were of his years working at Sunset Lake Summer Camp where he taught waterskiing and horseback riding. He spoke fondly of how his love of dogs began when he was young. He always would tell the story of how his dog Socks would climb the ladder to get on the roof to be with his family while they were putting shingles on the elementary school. One of his favorite achievements was taking flight lessons and being able to take his solo flight while in high school.
After graduating High School, Mike went on to get his EMT license which led him to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist, but this was only the beginning of his professional career. While working as a Respiratory Therapist he also continued going to school to get his degree in Disaster and Emergency Management. This was finally the area of work that Mike found he loved.
While Mike was working in Minnesota as a Respiratory Therapist, he met his wife Tammie (Van Arsdale) Radke. It was a whirlwind courtship, and he was caught hook, line, and sinker; or was it the other way, it was hard to tell. Married in December of 2000 Mike was a committed husband who lived out the promises of his vows to Tammie and his children. Through the calm and the storm, the joy and the pain, it was the weaving of the three golden cords of him, Tammie, and the Lord of Eternity, that caused him to remain so committed to his family until his last breath. Mike had a tender side that many did not see. Together Mike and Tammie had two beautiful children, Sarah and Ryan. In both of them you can see bits of their father’s personality; witty and funny, soft and tender, and of course his love of dogs. In his office he always had pictures of his dogs and kids sitting on his shelf. He was so proud of his Kids as he called all of them.
While on a business trip and on his way home Mike had a layover in Denver and had to wait to get a flight the following day. That evening while in his hotel room he collapsed and passed away suddenly. The shock and sadness at losing Mike is heart wrenching. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.
Mike was looking forward to seeing his daughter graduate from college and his son getting his driver’s license. Mike passed away on May 27th 2023, and he is now at rest. He leaves behind his wife Tammie, children Sara and Ryan, his father Wilmer, and sister Vicky. A service celebrating Michael’s life will be held Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave, in Helena, Montana.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
3:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 13, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
3:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 13, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Gretchen Grove says
Michael was truly one of a kind. Genuine and kind, devoted to his faith, and loved his family deeply. I am blessed to have worked with him at DES. He will be missed.
Jannel Lee Okeson says
Michael was a good man. He loved his family, was so proud of his children, and loyal to his ideals no matter how difficult things got. He enjoyed working and playing with his great dogs (and cats). He liked sending his friends funny puns and jokes he found. My thoughts and prayers are with Tammy, Sarah, and Ryan. Michael will truly be missed.
Lorri Mullen says
Dear Tammie,
I am so sorry about Michael’s passing. Though I only knew him for a short time, I could tell what a caring man he was. Please know I am thinking of and praying for you and your children. May you find peace in the precious memories you have of him.
Charlie Gorman says
Tammie, Sara, and Ryan,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you. Michael was a proud husband and father. He will be missed.
Anette Ordahl says
Tammie, Sara, and Ryan,
Sending my heart-felt sympathy for your loss. Mike was a kind mentor to me in my new position at MT DES. He was so proud of his family and would often share stories and pictures at the office. We all miss him.
Kirsi says
So sorry to hear such sad news Tammie, Sarah and Ryan. Sending love at this difficult time. The Parkers Eric, Kirsi and Aatu
Tamara Johnson says
Tammie,
My mom, Laneta, was good friends with Doreen and Wilmer. I knew them during my high school years. During that time he had a cool car. What was it?…. He had hurt his knee, so I got to drive it a couple of times. One of those times I got pulled over for changing lanes wrong. It would of been better if it was for speeding. We would argue who’s car was cooler. His of course, mine was a Datsun.
He and his sister Vicky were at our wedding. He caught the garter and Vicky the flowers.
I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. My heart goes out to you and your children.
His obituary was written very beautifully.
Even though we have never met I just wanted to let you know I knew Mike and am so sad about his death.
Tamara Johnson.
At the time I knew Mike I went by Tammie.