Geraldine Radke

Geraldine Marie Radke, 69, of Drumheller AB, passed away peacefully, while surrounded by loved ones at the Red Deer Regional Hospital on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, of Peritoneal Metastatic Disease discovered in early Sept 2023. She was a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, friend, and mentor.

 Geraldine, affectionately known as Gerry or Ger to most, was born in Hanna, AB, on November 27, 1953, to Fred and Elsie Harvey of Scapa, Ab. She was the youngest of three. After graduating high school in Hanna, she went on to study social work in the city before returning to the Handhills to marry her high school sweetheart (Ryan Radke) and take on the Radke family farm. They married in 1972 and had four children: Danielle, Andrea, Matthew, and Chelsea.

While raising a young family, and tackling farm life with Ryan, Gerry worked across different industries, in people-facing positions. (To mention a few), she worked in customer service at the bank, honed her talents as a hair stylist, drove a school bus route, managed a great team at the power plant, and had a deep love for farm work. After leaving the farm in 2014 and moving to Drumheller, she found a wonderful second home in customer service at the Riverside Value Drug Mart and was embraced by the Riverside family. She was at her happiest in her last decade and was working hard to reconnect with herself. 

 As a young mom, when she wasn't chauffeuring kids to sports events, she could be found driving a tractor in the dusty fields, often barefoot, whisper singing to the radio, but loudest of all when George Strait played. She loved to entertain and host others and had an open-door policy for all friends and family. Gerry was an amazing cook and had several signature mom dishes that could bring comfort to any hungry tummy. She made the most wonderful field suppers during harvest, which somehow tasted even better outdoors in the dusk of the fall sunset.

Gerry loved her alone time but also loved spending time with others. She could make friends in a matter of minutes and was affectionately referred to as Grandma Gerry by many. Ger loved to connect, had an infectious giggle, and especially loved all things sports. She was an avid ball player in her younger years and was a super fan of all things hockey, and football as well. Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life and she adored all animals small or large. Ger loved her community and valued her incredible neighbors as family.

 Gerry was predeceased by her husband Ryan in 2004, her parents, (Fred and Elsie), and most recently her big brother Allan in 2022, along with many extended family members and friends over the years. She is Lovingly remembered by her four children: Danielle Radke (husband Darin McCollum), Andrea Linkert (husband Jeremy, children Ben and Sam), Matthew (wife Stacey, children Conner and Griffen), and daughter Chelsea Radke.

 She leaves behind her beloved pet babies, Monty and Lucy; her big sister and best friend Shirley Keibel; her loving sister-in-law Anne Marie Harvey; and brother(s)-in-law Reg Radke and Gary Keibel who were protective and kind like true big brothers; her Drumheller work family, Martina and Ray, and the entire Riverside Value Drug Mart team; along with a big world of extended family and friends who will grieve this loss for years to come. Gerry broke the mold.

Many valuable lessons were learned and left behind from Gerry throughout her 69 years. Kindness always wins, If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all, and when someone upsets you, tell them playfully to "suck rocks". If a broom falls, company is coming, and an itchy nose always means you are about to kiss a fool. 

 Services will be held at a later date, which the family will communicate in the future. Instead of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your local food bank, animal shelter, or children's charity of your choice.

Our family would like to thank everyone in the incredible Gerry support network who was touched by Mom's magic. Your love, support, and kindness have been immeasurable. Thank you for extending your love of mom to us and for carrying her memory with you like a little pocket full of sunshine. To the team at Red Deer Regional Hospital Unit 33, a world of appreciation for loving Mom like your own and taking such good care of us in her final hours. Ger had an amazing network which has held us all upright these past few weeks. She would be overcome by the love and most likely say, "Holy Doodle! or Holy Root!" in amazement at the outpouring. We are devastated but will also remember to carry her sunshine and magic with us as we move forward.