Carol Dee Radke, 89 of Kenosha, Iowa died Sunday, June 29th , 2025 in her sleep in the early morning hours. Carol D Radke had been a resident of Robin Way assisted living in Kenosha, Wisconsin since fall of 2022 when she relocated from Fort Myers, Florida to Kenosha, Wisconsin.
She was born, in January of 1936 in West Liberty, Iowa the daughter of Mildred Wahl /Hottle and Herbert Wahl.
Carol Wahl graduated from West Liberty High with the class of 1954. There Carol met Merlin while working at Carrs lunch diner, they fell in love and were married on August 14th, 1954. Merlin was from Montello, Wisconsin.
Survivors include her daughters, Kay Johnson and her husband Ron of Fort Myers, Florida and Joan Quets and her husband Jerome of Kenosha, Wisconsin. Beloved grandchildren Daniel Johnson, and his life partner Annie Campbell of Ft Myers, Florida, and AnnaBeth Johnson Fliegel of Hampton, Va and her husband Brian Fliegel of Boston, Mass. Andrea Quets of Kenosha, WI, and Nathan Quets of Atlanta, Ga. and her nieces, nephews and their children of Wisconsin, Iowa, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Minnesota and California.
Carol was preceded in death by her husband Merlin Radke, her parents, Mildred and Herbert Wahl, Leslie Hottle, her brother Kenneth Wahl, sister Marion Perkins and her husband Chuck,her father-in-law Edward Radke and mother-in-law Anna Weckworth Radke, her sister and brother-in-laws, and their spouses. Carol was the last of her generation on both sides of her family. In addition, she was preceded by 6 nephews and 3 nieces.
Carol Radke was a wife and mother to her core, humble and life-giving to the passions of Merle and her daughters and their spouses, and the grandchildren. Carol was reknown for embracing a good ribbing with a keen sense of humor and to tease right back with her good natured zingers. This was core to Carol and endeared her to all in her life’s journey. Carol embraced Merle’s passion for golf, the Packers and bridge with an equal zest to his.
Carol was a long time resident of West Liberty, Iowa. Merle’s railroad work brought opportunity to expand her life in West Liberty with intermittent moves to Decorah, IA and Fairfield, IA but always returning to West Liberty and their long time friends. In 1980 Carol and Merle moved to Keokuk, IA. Carol developed many close friendships, with who she shared golf and a love to travel. She resided there until moving to Fort Myers, Florida in 2008 to enjoy the Florida sunshine and be near Kay and her family. Carol’s move brought many new friends at Jamaica Bay, lots of bridge games and opportunities to continue her cruising travels. Carol enjoyed cheering for the Packers and rarely missed a game. She enjoyed spending time on the water, doing cross word puzzles on holidays, and no matter where she lived, always had a bowl of candied mints ready for grandchildren and visitors. Carol’s time near her Florida family was beloved and treasured. Carol often visited Joan and family in Kenosha, Wisconsin, usually near the holidays and nearly every summer going up north to the cabin in Three Lakes. During these trips she shared her love for games, but especially cards with her grandchildren. Carol moved to Kenosha in September of 2022 following hurricane Ian. Returning to the midwest and the colors of the four seasons and near Joan’s family was special cherished time. Her few years in Kenosha were marked with increased health problems and activities were gradually less, but Carol enjoyed the family meals and watching the Packers. Carol never forgot her friends and extended family members going back to her high school years in West Liberty. At Robin Way Assisted Living, Carol’s smile could light up the room and was a cherished member of the community.
Plans are for a small family memorial service at grave side where she will lay at rest along side her husband Merlin A Radke at the Keokuk National Cemetery. Date to be determined.
Memorials can be made to a charity of your choice or Carol had some special interest in the following, heightsfoundation.org/get-involved/donate, https://centerforgreatapes.org/donate/, https://www.hospicealliance.org
