Obituary of Dennis Ernest Radke

February 26, 1946 – Camrose, Alberta

December 10, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Dennis Ernest “Skip” Radke, of Calgary, Alberta, passed away on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at the age of 77 years.

He was born on the Bashaw family farm on February 26, 1946. As a young man, Dennis worked on the Oil Rigs until he married Dianna Rutz on April 15, 1966. They relocated to Barrons, AB, then Youngstown, AB, while he worked for Pioneer Grain.

In 1972, Dennis moved his family to Fernie, BC, where he started his coal mining career with Kaiser Resources and drove bus for Dicken Bus Line and competed in Mine Rescue. After twenty years, Dennis took his mining skills overseas to India, and then moved onto gold mining while working in Kyrgyzstan.

Dennis accomplished much through his life and was particularly proud of his successful work career, and the people he and Dianna met while traveling the world during this time.

In January of 2000, Dennis retired from mining and was finally able to devote all his time to golf. He marshaled at Wolf Creek in Ponoka, AB, before settling in Sundre, AB, at Coyote Creek G&CC. Sundre, AB, was where he and Dianna had fun until her passing in 2014. The last nine years were very hard on Dennis.

He missed Dianna and his health deteriorated due to cancer and a broken hip. He will be most remembered for his beautiful golf swing and love of the Montreal Canadians Hockey Team.

Dennis is survived by his children Gene Radke, and Tanya (David) Kordikowski; grandchildren, Kelsey, Kelly, Jordon, Bailey, and Dawson; along with seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Arldene, Dale (Sandy), and Gary (Vicky); In-laws, Rachel, Rod, and Glenda (Clayton); and numerous nieces and nephews.  

Dennis was predeceased by his wife of 48 years Dianna, his parents Ernest and Addie; sisters Marlene, and Sandra; parents-in-law Henry and Violet; in-laws Bernie, Allan, Deanna; and his nephew Neil.

As per Dennis’s wishes, no formal service will be held. His ashes will be laid to rest next to Dianna’s at the Dorenlee Cemetery.

In living memory of Dennis Ernest Radke, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.