Withold ‘Bill’ Radtke

On Thursday, October 24, 2024, Withold ‘Bill’ Radtke of Edmonton passed away peacefully at the age of 92 years.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Felicita (Phylis), four children; Ron (Maria) of Edmonton, Judy Steer (Carl) of Edmonton, Gordon (Leslie) of Sherwood Park, and Sindy Weber (Paul) of Edmonton, along with 6 grandchildren; Susan Barsness, Ryan Radtke, Julie-Marie Radtke (Tom), Elyse Ho (Allen), Evan Hildebrandt (Alisha), and Carlee Weber, as well as two great-grandchildren; Kohl and Tristen Barsness, and is predeceased by one great-grandchild, Carter Radtke.

Bill is also survived by one sister, Emilie Dirr, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is pre deceased by his two sisters, Martha Kussmaul and Edith Tonn, a brother who passed away at a very young age, and his parents, Julius and Lucadia (Kaufman.)

Born on January 27, 1932, in Sadowno, Poland, Bill immigrated to Edmonton, Alberta in 1951 where he met his wife, Felicita (Phylis) and began setting down roots and excelling in a career in the steel fabrication industry. Bill started his career as a Welder, then became a Journeyman and then moved into various management roles. In 1984, Bill began a new chapter in life by moving to the West Coast (Burnaby and later Surrey, British Columbia) to continue working in the steel fabrication industry and later moved into real estate sales. In 2008, Bill and Phylis made their way back to Edmonton to spend their golden years among family and numerous friends.

Bill was an avid outdoorsman for which he is widely recognized for, and he was happiest among the peace and tranquillity of nature. He generously and eagerly shared his love of hunting and fishing with his sons and anyone else – from beginners to skilled outdoorsman – who shared his passion for these sports. He enjoyed organizing hunting and fishing adventures and coordinated excursions for enthusiasts both near and faraway often hosting groups from various parts of Europe on many types of adventures from horseback trail-ride hunts to deep-sea fishing and everything in between. He touched the lives of a plethora of people, sharing his vast knowledge of the outdoors and his many stories and memories of his adventures. His respect of nature and the great outdoors was unwavering and he was always happy to share his bounty with family and friends alike.

We are grateful to the management and staff at Extendicare Eaux Claire for their compassionate care for Dad while in their care for the last 15 months.

Cremation of Bill’s remains will be followed by an intimate family gathering (details of which are forthcoming.)

May he now and forever be at rest in peace.