Richard Paul Radke, 88, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born September 20, 1937, in Ovid, Colorado, he was the beloved son of Bernard and Viola Radke.

     On December 23, 1968, Richard married the love of his life, Karolyn Bauerle, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fort Collins, Colorado. Richard and Karolyn built a life grounded in love, the Catholic faith, devotion to their children, and unwavering support for one another that spanned nearly 58 years.

     Richard was raised on a farm south of Big Springs, Nebraska with his three siblings, Bernard Jr. (Eileen) Radke, Sharon Mitchell, and Leon (Penny) Radke and graduated from Julesburg High School in 1957. Richard then enlisted in the U.S. Army on November 19, 1957, and served as a Fire Control Specialist for the 1st Howitzer Battalion, 92d Armored Field Artillery Battalion, in Germany until October 29, 1959. Upon returning from Germany, he worked in Denver before attending Colorado State University, where he met his future wife, Karolyn. Richard graduated from CSU in August 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business. After college, Richard and Karolyn settled south of Brush, Colorado, where they began raising hogs on their 40-acre farm.

     Together they raised five children: Joan (Rex) Pieper of Akron, CO, Kevin (Tara) Radke of Lewiston, NY, Bryan Radke of Greeley, CO, Alan (Melissa) Radke of Colorado Springs, CO, and Jason (Jenna) Radke of Eaton, CO. Richard was adored by his children, 16 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. His family was a source of tremendous pride and joy throughout his life.

     Richard was a die-hard baseball fan, and when the Colorado Rockies were established, they found a lifelong fan in Richard. Richard never missed an opportunity to talk sports and rarely missed a Rockies game. He was also a dedicated supporter of Brush Beetdigger athletics, continuing to cheer and support the teams long after his children finished school.

     Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Viola Radke; his older brother, Bernard; his sister-in-law, Eileen; his younger brother, Leon; and two of his nephews, Greg and David.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or Children’s Hospital Colorado, where Richard was a patient when diagnosed with Polio at the age of 12.

     Funeral services for Richard will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at St Mary’s Catholic Church, at 340 Stanford St., Brush, Colorado, with a 9 am viewing, 9:30 Rosary, and a 10 am Catholic Mass. A luncheon will follow the church service, and Interment will be at the Hillside Cemetery in Julesburg, Colorado, at 2:45 pm.

Rowanoak Mortuary of Fort Morgan will oversee arrangements.