William Paul Radtke
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LTC. (Ret) William P. Radtke (Bill) of Lawrence, Kansas died Wednesday, August 16th. Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce, and his son, Richard. He is survived by four children, Paul Radtke of Leawood, KS, Terry LaCandia of Naperville, IL, John Radtke of San Francisco, CA and Ann Curry of Anchorage, AK. Bill also has 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
Bill was the youngest son of Roderick and Florence Morgan and was born on July 3rd, 1928 in Columbiana, OH. Both of his parents died when he was still a small child. However, his father’s best friend, Paul Radtke and his wife, Lilian, adopted Bill when he was 6 years old. Bill grew up on Lake Milton, OH and married Joyce Williams in August of 1951. They were married for 64 years before her passing two years ago.
Bill attended Virginia Tech and later received his BA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He was a dedicated career military man who spent the bulk of his 30 plus years in U.S. Army Special Forces. Bill and Joyce traveled extensively during his military career to Panama, North Carolina, Georgia, California, Okinawa, Thailand, Illinois and Kansas. In addition to these stops, Bill served multiple tours in Vietnam and Cambodia.
After retirement Bill became a member of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church of Lawrence and active in Lions Club, Masons and The Special Forces Association.
A memorial service will be 2:00 pm Sunday, September 17th, at The Smith Center of Brandon Woods Community, 4730 Brandon Woods Terrace in Lawrence, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Black Diamond Charities in Bill’s memory. Black Diamond Charities is a non-profit organization that helps veterans successfully transition to civilian life. www.blackdiamondcharities.org
Online condolences may be posted at warrenmcelwain.com
BILL WAS AN OUTSTANDING SOLDIER , QUIET PROFESSIONAL AND A GOOD MAN WHO COULD ALWAYS BE DEPENDED UPON TO BE THERE WHEN NEEDED. HIS FAMILY CAN BE JUSTIFIABLY PROUD OF THEIR FATHER.
To Bill love ones I’ll sure will miss Bill
He always talks highlights bout wife and kids he’s my hero
He always has a great smile never seen him upset
Rip Bill I’ll miss your smiling that will light up a room
Bill and Joyce will always have a place in my heart I loved taking care of them on al when ever I would see bill on north we always wanted a hug and always got one he always remembered me up till the last time I saw him which was a few days before his passing my prayers are with the family Debra brandonwoods al aide
Our parents, my sister Annette, and I all cherish the friendship of both of your parents. Herman and Evelyn Hallberg were not only their friends at church but also at Brandon Woods. Your dad always had a smile and kind word for me, and I will remember both your dad and mom as special people. I hope that all the many wonderful memories you have of them will sustain you at this time. I know that my 97 year old Dad will miss seeing Bill at Brandon Woods.
I did not know Bill well . The few visits I had, I knew I was in the presence of a fine gentleman. I truly appreciated this exceptional man. May God rest his soul. Our prayers for his family.
I saw Bill in July to relay sad news of the death of Peder Lund, a close friend of mine in Boulder, CO. In that way of surprise connection in the world, Bill and Joyce , our new neighbors in the early 80’s knew Peder. BIll was his commanding officer in Viet Nam and according to Peder, was instrumental in his advancement from Rangers to Special Forces and into more responsible positions. Peder came to see Bill three years ago and it was sweet to witness a conversation between old soldiers/former comrades in arms.
I miss Bill and Joyce from the Stull community. God speed.
He served with my father in Vietnam. I found his name going through papers looking for a connection with dad.