Obituary: Harold Radtke, 81, of Scottville

Harold Radtke

Obituary: Harold Radtke, 81, of Scottville

Harold Walter Radtke, 81, of Scottville, peacefully passed away at home, surrounded by family, on Friday, December 1, 2023.

Harold, lovingly known as “Cowboy”, was born on September 11, 1942, the son of the late Norman and Doris (Covert) Radtke. He graduated from Traverse City High School. He drove truck for Ecolochem, Inc for many years up until he retired where he then owned his own small engine repair business, in Texas, enjoying many hours in his shop. He spent many hours making sure his lawnmowers and the neighbors’ lawn mowers were all in tip top shape. Harold was a rodeo cowboy at heart, who had smooth dance moves and was able to sweep Joyce (Larsen) Radtke off her feet at the VFW where they later married on May 12, 2018. You could always see Cowboy coming, he was dressed up in his pearl button shirt, cowboy boots and cowboy hat, from sun up to sundown.

Cowboy was a man of many stories. He was always willing to lend a helping hand or give words of advice. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, teaching them how to do simple mechanical work. “Grandpa’s Taxi” was later one of the most rewarding titles he ever had. He was also quite the dog lover, spoiling every dog he ever had. After spending the day with him, he never said “goodbye”, but always “love ya’ll”.

Harold is survived by his wife, Joyce Radtke; sons, Jeff (Lynne) Wood of Battle Creek and their children, Tobi Skaggs and Kyle Wood, and Bobby (Lori) Wood of Battle Creek; granddaughters, Kristi Scott of Texas and her daughters, Carlee Scott and Charissa Galloway, and Lyndsay (Richard) Plata of Texas and their sons Anthony and Alex; grandson, Jacob (Sabrina) Tarver of Texas, and their children, Valerie, Jordan, and Nathan; stepdaughters, Susan (Tom) Smith, Kymberlee Maki, and Cindy Hathaway; grandchildren, Sara (Mark) Groth and their children, Zachary and Cassidy, Jody (Troy) Porter and their son, Ayden, Jordyn (Derek) Garn, Savannah (Chris) Gebhart and their children, Monty Jr., Trenton, and Seth, Sam (Christina) Walker and their children, Gadge, Blayke, Brianna, Isabelle and Joseph, Ryan (Mandy) Walker and their children, Lisa, Ryder, and Ryan Jr., Crystal (Brian) Kirkland and their son, Cole, and Brandee Hathaway and her son, Ethyn; sister, Mae Smith; brother, Walter Radtke; sisters-in-law, Mary Radtke, Barb Radtke, Lori Radtke, and Barbara Larsen; brother-in-law, Edward (Barb) Larsen; and his dog, Skyler.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Doris; brothers, Marvin, Ray, Bobby, Larry, Loren, and Karl Radtke; grandson, Tommy Smith; stepdaughter, Lisa Marie; sister-in-law, Carole Hodges; and brother-in-law, Pete Larsen.

In accordance to Harolds wishes, cremation has taken place and a gathering will be held at a later date.

Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington in honored to assist the family during this difficult time, www.OakGroveLudington.com.