James E. Radke

James E. Radke, 85, of Cavalier, ND died on Monday, September 24, 2007, at his home. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Boniface Catholic Church, Walhalla, ND. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 28th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. rosary service at the church. Burial in the St. Paul's Catholic Cemetery, Sauk Centre, MN. Arrangements with Nelson-Askew Funeral Home, Walhalla, ND.
James was born January 23, 1922, in Oakes, ND to Fred and Abagail (McCue) Radke. He attended schools in Detroit Lakes, MN, Devils Lake and Grand Forks, ND. While attending the University of North Dakota, he participated in the Civilian Pilot Training Program and eventually became an instructor. He also instructed potential student glider pilots. After enlisting in the Army Air Corps, he trained as a pilot in B-24 bombers, and became a pilot with the 15th Air Force in Italy during WWII.
After WWII, he became an airplane spray pilot in the Red River Valley. He returned to UND and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Jim worked in the design departments of three major farm and industrial manufacturers of heavy equipment. He then retired to Watervliet, MI and eventually moved to Cavalier until the time of his death.
He is survived by one sister, Delores (Ed, Sr.) Himes, Monterrey, Mexico and one brother, Don (Betty) Radke, Bismarck, ND and formerly of Walhalla, also numerous nieces and nephews in the United States and Mexico.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Ltc Margaret Eileen Radke (Ret).
Celebrant: Rev. Fr. Thomas Krupich.
Military Rites by the Bartlette-Resler Post #62, Walhalla American Legion.