Читать книгу Memoirs of Milwaukee County, Volume 3 - Josiah Seymour Currey - Страница 29

For the third term John W. Radke is serving as alderman of the twenty-second ward of Milwaukee and in his activities for the city is actuated by a public-spirited devotion to the general good that has been manifest in his support of many progressive measures. His capability as a business man enables him to assist largely in managing business affairs for the city, and while seeking to reach high municipal ideals, he employs the most practical methods in their attainment. He is also well known in Milwaukee as an undertaker with a large business, having been active in this field of labor for a decade.

One of the city's native sons, Mr. Radke was born September 13, 1886, a son of Richard and Ida (Petersdorf) Radke, both of whom are natives of Germany. They came with their parents to the United States in early life — prior to their marriage. The father, however, had served for three years in the German militia — a compulsory military training for all young men in that country. Having arrived in the new world, the family made their way westward to Milwaukee and Richard Radke has been employed by the firm of Goll & Prank during much of his life.

John W. Radke was educated in the public schools of this city and after putting aside his textbooks was employed as a grocery clerk. He afterwards served for four years in the city fire department as city fireman and in 1911 he was graduated from the Johnson College of Embalming and turned his attention to the undertaking business, opening an establishment at his present location — 4409 Lisbon avenue. Here he has built up a very, large business as the years have passed. In 1912 he erected his present building, a two-story brick structure forty-five by one hundred and twenty feet. In this building he has a well-appointed chapel for private funerals. He attends all of the undertaker's conventions and keeps thoroughly informed concerning the most progressive and scientific methods that have to do with his work. He is a member of the Milwaukee and also of the Wisconsin State Funeral Directors Association.

On the 2nd of June. 1908, Mr. Radke was married to Miss Delia Krause of Milwaukee, and they have become parents of two children, Annette and John. Fraternally Mr. Radke is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Knights of Pythias and is a loyal follower of the teachings and purposes of these societies. During the World war he took an active part in furthering all war interests and drives and acted as chairman of the undertakers' group in promoting the sale of Liberty bonds and in raising funds along other lines. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and in 1916 he was elected to the office of alderman from the twenty-second ward and has twice been reelected to the position, so that he is now serving for the third term. He is chairman of the waterworks committee and the public acquisition committee and is doing excellent service in these connections and in fact has been a most earnest, faithful and effective worker for the good of his ward and for the city-at large, since called to office.