Norma M. Radtke
January 22, 1937 – September 16, 2024
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Pathfinder Church, 8740 S. Westnedge, Portage. Friends may call on the family one hour prior to the service at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made Kalamazoo Animal Rescue.
Obituary
Norma Radtke, age 87, passed away on September 16th, 2024 , with the comfort of family surrounding her.
The youngest child of Hattie and Dawson Morehead, Norma was born and raised in South Haven, MI and had four older brothers, Jim, Don, Cliff, and Neil. She married her high school sweetheart, Randy and spent the next 38 years together raising their family in Kalamazoo. Norma is survived by daughters Mary Radtke, Patti Slack, and Pam (Ken) Arevalo, eight grandchildren, Rachel Radtke, Sara (Jason) Pickler, Andrew (Staci) Radtke, Emma (Elise) Jemmott, Miranda (Paul) Shafer, Nicholas (Lexi) Arevalo, Christopher (Abbey) Arevalo, eight great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Norma was proceeded in death by her husband, Randy, granddaughter, Audra and son, Michael.
Norma had a passion for community, volunteering for area organizations and sporting events. She loved football season and could be heard excitedly cheering for Michigan and Western (Go Blue! Go Broncos!). In the early years, she enjoyed playing volleyball and traveling to tournaments, camping with family and friends. She had a love of gardening, wherever she lived or visited. She loved playing cards with friends, reading and crafting. Norma sewed many Raggedy Ann dolls and sock monkeys for grands and littles.
Norma retired from a fulfilling career at Bronson Methodist Hospital. She traveled around the country, making memories in Hawaii, Florida, South Carolina Las Vegas and many states in between.
Norma will be dearly missed but the memories we had together will be held closely.
Dear Patti, Pam, and Mary Beth, I was so sorry to hear about Aunt Norma’s passing. There is no hurt like that of losing your mom. Your good memories will help you through this very sad time and bring you comfort as time passes. I have great memories of her. We always looked forward to your family’s Easter visit when you would also go to the beach. One Easter your mom helped me make Easter chocolates for Jason’s Easter basket. She gave me the molds I used for several years after that Easter. In fact, I need to make some for my two grandsons. We also have the raggedy Ann she made for Jason. Such special memories of a special aunt. I am watching the Michigan vs USC game as I write this and USC just scored. I can hear her fussing at Michigan’s defense right now! So let’s go big Blue and win one for one of your most ardent and faithful fans. Love and prayers for all, Debbi Varga
I worked with Norma at Bronson. My favorite memory is training with her for the community corporate games. She and I had fun, shared stories and challenged each other. May Norma rest in peace.