Sharon "Shari" Radke

Sharon "Shari" Ruth Radke, 75, of Rochester, passed away unexpectedly at St. Mary's Hospital on December 22, 2019. Shari was born on December 11, 1944 in Rochester to Arval and Ruth (Voll) Witter. She went to country school through 4th grade. In 5th grade she started in Stewartville Public School where she graduated in 1962. She went on to earn her registered nurse diploma from Methodist - Kahler School of Nursing in 1966. In 1987 she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Health Science from the College of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois. Shari started her nursing career at Methodist Hospital in the Post Anesthesia Room rising to the rank of Head Nurse. She would later move to the Urgent Care department in the Baldwin Building as Nurse Manger. Following the closing of urgent care, she served in many administrative capacities at Mayo Clinic. She retired in 2013. After retirement she delighted in being the lunch lady at Byron Intermediate School. Through her life, Shari was an active member of Homestead United Methodist Church, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, was a staunch Byron Bears supporter. She was very proud of her work for The Woman's Shelter, The Eagles Auxiliary and The American Legion Auxiliary. On October 8, 1966 she married Eugene Radke in Stewartville at the United Methodist Church. Gene passed away September 28, 2006. Shari worked tirelessly arranging the Gene Radke Golf Tournament raising thousands of dollars for cancer research and scholarships at Byron High School. Most of all, we remember Shari as a complete caregiver to her family, her patients, and her nursing vocation. She valued her friendships greatly. Time spent with her grandchildren brought her joy beyond measure. She is survived by her sons, Troy (Wendy) Radke of Las Vegas, NV, Jamie Radke of Rochester, MN, and Ryan (Holly) Radke of Byron, MN; brothers, Dwayne (Dorothy) Witter of Zumbrota, MN, Ronald (Wendy Dunkley) of Motley, MN, and Keith (Joan) Witter of Rochester, MN, 9 grandchildren Gracyn, Karleigh, Owen, Henry, Shea, Brittany, Alexa, Maryn and Merrick; and one great-grandchild Elouise. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Gene. A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, December 28, 2019 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901. Visitation will be held 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Friday, December 27, 2019 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Gene Radke Cancer Fund, Inc at 1390 23rd ST NW Byron, MN 55920. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Radke family; to share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com