Kurt Radtke

September 15, 1938- June 27, 2025
Born in Katzdanga Latvia, Kurt was the third child of Oscar Radtke and Irma Radtke (Bleich). His siblings are Theodor, Arvid, Hans, and Seigfried.
In 1939 the Radtke Family was required by the government to leave their farming property in Latvia and relocate to a farm in what is now Czeszewo, Poland.
In January 1945 Irma Radtke and her sons left Poland and moved west as refugees. They settled in Dahlem, Germany, where Kurt attended the early school grades. In 1950, Kurt's father, Oskar, returned from a prisoner of war camp in Kaluga, Russia. In November 1951 the family emigrated to the United States under the sponsorship of relatives and the Lutheran Church.
Kurt attended schools in Oregon City. First at Trinity Lutheran, then at Oregon City High School where he graduated in 1956. He attended Reed College. Kurt served in the Army from 1961 to 1963.
Kurt met his wife, Jane, in July 1957 and were married on April 8, 1961. Together they raised their Children Renita, Roland, Renay, and Robert.
Kurt started in the grocery business when he was 16 years old. Kurt, along with his brothers, went on to own many different grocery stores. He has made many lifetime friends in the grocery business.
Kurt was on the Board of directors of United Grocers and was president of the German American Society. He was involved in many clubs, serving in many capacities: Germans from Russian of Oregon and Washington, Germania Soccer Club, Jaycees (Junior Chamber of Commerce), Lions International, Youth Soccer clubs.
He is preceded in death by his siblings Theodor, Arvid, and Seigfried, son Robert, and grandchild Todd. He is survived by his Wife Jane, children Renita, Roland (spouse Julie), Renay Butts (spouse Gary), Dawn Radtke, 7 Grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.