General Information
Full Name: Dorothy Lillian Radanke
Date of Birth: August 6, 1928
Date of Death: September 2, 2013
Dorothy’s life story
Dorothy “Grandma” Radanke
On August 6, 1928 Dorothy was born to parents Louis and Anna (Otto) Stier in Belle Plaine. Dorothy was the youngest of seven children and enjoyed growing up in Belle Plaine and Jordan. It was on the family farm that Dorothy’s strong work ethic developed. After completing the eighth grade, she began working full-time as an in-house nanny.
It was on the job that Dorothy met Loren Radanke. Their love blossomed, and they soon exchanged vows on June 5, 1947 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine. Loren and Dorothy made their home in Prior Lake. They were blessed with four children, David, Jeanette, Dale and Darrell. As a family they enjoyed numerous road trips often with Marcella and Allen Borchardt. Dorothy would make pancakes for breakfast and the leftovers would be placed on the car engine while Loren drove so the family could enjoy warm pancakes for lunch too.
Dorothy worked at Town Treat in Prior Lake for over 15 years. Her kids remember pushing her off to work in “Happy”, her beloved truck every morning. She also worked at multiple Target stores in soft line receiving for 25 years. Known to all as hard working and a strong woman, Dorothy retired in 1988.
Dorothy was an avid reader and never missed an opportunity to read a good book. She also enjoyed challenging herself with word-find puzzles and fishing. Dorothy loved spending time in the car during road trips. She traveled all over with her family exploring places like: the Black Hills, Disney World & Disney Land, Jamaica, Canada and Alaska. She even survived a tsunami on a trip to Hawaii. No matter where life took Dorothy, family was always the most important to her. Dorothy was a compassionate, open-hearted woman who was known to countless people as “Grandma” regardless of whether they were related to her. She will always be remembered as a very special lady to so many people.
On the morning of September 2, 2013, at age 85, Dorothy died peacefully at home surrounded by family. Dorothy will always be remembered by her children, David (Faye) Radanke of Prior Lake, Jeanette Radanke of Prior Lake, Dale (Mary) Radanke of Prior Lake and Darrell (Lori) of Webster; five grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; other loving relatives, friends and those who called her “Grandma”.
Dorothy is preceded in death by husband, Loren; parents and six siblings.
Pall bearers are Jared Novotny, Mark Smisek, Steve Goebel, Allen Borchardt, Jr., Elmer Ruehling and Mark Friedrich.
The visitation is Thursday, September 5, 2013, from 4:00-8:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, 4565 Pleasant Street, Prior Lake and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. The Celebration of Life Service is Friday, September 6, 2013 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 5634 Luther Road SE, Prior Lake. Rev. John P. Vaughn will preside. Dorothy will be laid to rest next to Loren at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery.
The Radanke family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Prior Lake Chapel.
Visitation
When: Thursday, September 5, 2013, 4- 8 pm
Location: Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home
Address: 4565 Pleasant Street SE
Prior Lake, MN
Service Information
When: Friday, September 6, 2013, 11:00 AM
Location: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
Address: 5634 Luther Road SE
Prior Lake, MN
Interment
St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery
Prior Lake, MN
