Merlyn Radke

Merlyn Jayne Radke, age 82, of Brandon, WI, passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2008, at Markesan Resident Home.

Merlyn was born on November 22, 1925, in the Town of Metomen, the daughter of Frederick and Elsie (Jahnke) Vollbrecht. She graduated from Ripon High School, and in 1945 married Harry Schmuhl. He passed away in 1957. Then, in 1958, Merlyn married Alfred O. Radke. She was a homemaker as well as a devoted wife and mother who loved spending time with her family. Merlyn was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday school and sang in the church choir. She loved to go bowling. Merlyn also loved flowers, birds, and enjoyed traveling to different parts of the country with her husband, Alfred. She also enjoyed a good shopping spree.

Survivors include her husband, Alfred; children, Jim (Donna) Schmuhl, Tom (Bev) Schmuhl, and Jerry (Debbie) Schmuhl all of Brandon, Barb (Mark) Richardson of Freeport, IL, Jeff (Jill Griffin) Radke of Wisconsin Dells, WI, and Mindy (Jon) Doss of Aurora, IL; fifteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; brother, Marvin (Shirley) Vollbrecht of Ripon; and other sisters and brothers-in-law. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Merlyn was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Harry; and her brothers, Carlyle (Hazel) and Walter (Ruby).

Visitation for Merlyn Radke will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2008, at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Brandon.

Funeral Service for Merlyn Radke will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2008, at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Brandon with Pastor Stuart Dornfeld officiating. Interment will follow at Brandon Cemetery, Village of Brandon. Memorials in Merlyn’s name may be given to Emanuel Lutheran Church in Brandon.

Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, Ripon, is assisting the family.
www.butzinmarchant.com