Warren Radtke

Warren A. "JR" Radtke, age 64, of Duluth, left this earth to join his many loved ones who went before him on Monday, March 25, 2013. He was born September 27, 1948 in Duluth to Warren L. and Dorothy M. (Johnson) Radtke. "JR" married Deborah Lyn Brown. "JR" was an Army veteran. He was a drummer for the majority of his life, playing with such people as Johnny Paycheck and Mel Tillis. He played with many local bands, to name a few: Dottie Lou and the Tumbleweeds, The Roundhounds, The Country Gentlemen, Horsin' Around with the Lou's, and many others. "JR" enjoyed fishing and doing woodwork in his home shop making lawn ornaments, bird houses and name signs. He even made a bird condo for the top of the house. "JR" was preceded in death by his father Warren; his mother Dorothy Naslund; and his step-mother Luverne "Bunny" Eishenbach. He is survived by his wife Deborah; three children: Tracy Nicholson of Ashland, WI, Amy DeWitt of Kileen, TX, and Eric (Natalie) Radtke of Louisville, KY; his step-son Garry Hendrickson of Twig, MN; sister Lorrie (Lem) Miller of Blackduck, MN; four brothers: Paul, Robert and Scott (Pam) Radtke all of Duluth, and Michael of Ala; step-brother Randy (Denise) Raymond of Coon Rapids, MN; 13 grandchildren; 9 step-grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and his very special friend Mary Brutger of Duluth. A gathering of family and friends will be on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 from 12 noon until the 1 PM memorial service at Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth, 727-3555.