Dieter Edward Radke, 56, died on June 16, 2009, at UW Hospital from complications of multiple myeloma, surrounded by his adoring wife, four sons and daughters-in-law and his beloved sister who had gathered to see him off on his great journey. Dieter was born on March 22, 1953, and graduated from Webb High School in 1971. He was a fine man with a great heart and he will be missed terribly. His life was built on family and enduring friendships, and there aren't enough people in the world like him. He believed you should always take a kid fishing. Dieter loved nature and taught his sons how to hunt and fish and to be good stewards of the land. He planted hundreds of trees. He also designed and initiated the Reedsburg Veterans Memorial, which will be built at the south end of Nishan Park. Dieter was employed by Krause Monument in Reedsburg. He really enjoyed helping people and he had a compassionate understanding of people and their needs, especially in times of grief and loss.

Dieter is survived by his loving wife, Denise, and his four sons who were his pride and joy, Paul (Michelle) Schwanbeck, Mark (Yvette) Schwanbeck, John (Raquel) Schwanbeck and James Radke; three grandchildren, Brianna, Dillon and Brooke, who will miss their "opa" very much. Dieter found his grandchildren a great source of entertainment. He is also survived by his beloved sister Jane (Joe) Soto; his parents, Ted and Frieda Radke; and special friends Jim and Rita Hyzer.

A memorial fund has been created at WCCU Credit Union, P.O. Box 550, Reedsburg, WI 53959. A celebration of his life will be held later this summer, as Dieter wished. If you have the chance, take a kid fishing in his memory.