Menford H. Radke

Menford (Rad) Radke, Kimberly, Wisconsin, passed away at the age of 99 in his home at Aspire Senior Living on August 17, 2025. He was born on June 23rd, 1926 in Marion, WI. The son of the late Ester and Ethan Radke. He graduated from Marion High School in 1944. Rad enlisted in the US Air Force in 1950 and served until mid 1952 as staff photographer in the Air Force School of Aviation Medicine at Randolf Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. On May 24, 1952 He married Beverly Fischer at Christus Lutheran Church in Clintonville, Wisconsin.

Rad had a great interest in photography and learned the profession at Thayer Photo Studios in Neillsville, WI. Later, he became staff photographer for the Shawano Evening Leader and soon began his own part-time Candid Photo business which he continued for 31 years. He photographed weddings, confirmation classes, families, and news and industrial photos. In his late teens he also played the drums in several dance bands. He loved to be busy.

Rad was employed for 35 years at AAL, now Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, from 1952 until his early retirement in 1987. The first 17 years he worked in the data processing department and the last 18 years in the public relations department. During that time, he also served as an evening instructor for key punch training at Appleton Technical Institute, now Fox Valley Technical College. After retiring, he worked part time with Poppe Advertising Specialties for 11 years.

Rad enjoyed his membership in the International Toastmasters Club for 5 years. He was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church since moving to Appleton in 1952, serving on various boards and committees. In this later years, Rad spent much of his time doing volunteer work for the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau. Also, he enjoyed his membership in the Kiwanis Club of Appleton Golden K, where he handled all the public relations and advertising duties from the day he joined in 2000 until 2014. He also enjoyed getting plenty of exercise on his adult 3 wheel bike all year round using various attachments for weather protection. Rad and his wife Bev enjoyed traveling in the U.S., Canada, and especially in nearly 30 foreign countries.

He is survived by his daughter and son in law, Hollie and Phil Deelo, Phoenix, AZ, two step grandchildren and three step great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Rad was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Meinhard, his sister Deloris and brother in law Harvey Mielke, and his wife Bev.

Funeral Services for Rad will take place on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 11:00am at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N Superior Street, Appleton, with Pastor Jim Wiebel officiating. Friends and family may gather at the funeral home from 10:00am until the service begins. Rad will be laid to rest with full military honors at Highland Memorial Park, Appleton immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Faith Lutheran Church in Rad's memory.