Joseph “Joe” Robert Radtke of Chicago, Illinois passed away Monday, February 21, 2022, in his home at the age of 39 years, 5 months, and 28 days.
He was born August 24, 1982 to Stephen John Radtke and Pamela Sue Land Radtke. As a child, Joe loved to play sports (especially baseball), ride bikes, skateboard, build forts, and play video games. At the age of fourteen, Joe got his first guitar and spent hours in his room teaching himself to play and was a natural. Joe also enjoyed spending time on his grandfather’s farm in Steelville, fishing and shooting his bb gun. Joe loved adventure and as an adult enjoyed camping and mountain biking.
Joe also loved to work. He especially liked to do work with his hands and enjoyed building things and tinkering with computers and electronics. Joe was known to be a hard worker. He was a perfectionist and, if given a task, would make sure it got done, and it was done right. Joe was also a charmer with an infectious and handsome smile. He made friends easily wherever he went.
Joe’s story ended much too soon. We are saddened at the tragic and sudden loss of our son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, friend.
Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Pamela Land.
He is survived by his father and step-mother, Steve (Sandra Lee) Radtke of Chesterton, IN; three brothers, Thomas “Tom” (Dana) Radtke of Port St. Lucie, FL, Michael “Mick” Radtke of Chesterton, IN and Mat (Rachel) Radtke of Chicago, IN; two sisters, Natalie (Chris) Turnbough of Steelville, MO and Mandy (John) Cheeseman of Chesterton, IN; nieces, nephews; other relatives; and friends.
A private memorial with inurnment will be held at the Steelville Cemetery at a later date. Joe’s family wishes memorial contributions be made to The Meramec Learning Ranch in leu of flowers. You can donate directly to the ranch by clicking on the link:
https://give.greatcircle.org/campaign/meramec-adventure-ranch/c389478
or text “Ranch” to 855-958-6021
The Radtke Family was served by the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO.
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