As beautiful as her flower namesake, Rose Radtke passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, May 28, 2012.
She was born June 6, 1928, the fifth of eight children of Morris Kniaz and Bertha (nee Malmon) Kniaz. She grew up in a happy home filled with love and music in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a young woman, Rose attended the Music Conservatory of Milwaukee and had a lifelong passion for Broadway tunes, classical music, and opera. She married the love of her life, Lee Radtke, in April 1950 and together they raised four children in Beaver Dam and West Bend, Wisconsin. Rose touched many lives both in her work at Washington County Social Services and as a volunteer reader to young children at Barton Elementary School, where she was fondly known as Grandma Rose. She was grateful for the support and care she received at St. Joseph's Cardiac Rehabilitation.
She is survived by her children, Jeffrey (Karen) Radtke, Sandra Radtke, and Glenn (Leigh) Radtke; her beloved daughter-in-law, Sue Radtke; her grandchildren, Rachel, Maggie, Ian, Peri, Dylan, Mesfin, and Mari; her great-grandchildren Ezria and Mitchell; her brother Leon (Sandy) Kniaz; many cherished nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lee; her beloved son, Bruce Radtke; and her siblings, Goldie, Miriam, Albert, Esther, Shirley, and Harry.
A rose without a thorn, she will be greatly missed and dearly remembered by those who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to ProLiteracy (www.proliteracy.org) or The Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org).
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, May 31 at 1:00 p.m. at Washington County Memorial Park, 3358 Paradise Drive, West Bend, Wisconsin.