Donna Marie Radtke

Donna Marie (Richter) Radtke, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, October 13, 2025. She was born on July 6, 1933, on her grandparents’ farm to Edwin and Leah (Higgins) Richter in Farmington, Wisconsin.

She attended grade school in a one room schoolhouse. At age 13, Donna and her family moved to Watertown, WI. Donna graduated from high school in June 1950.

On November 10, 1951, Donna married her high school sweetheart, Robert E. “Bud” Radtke. Bud was in the Air Force stationed at Tinker Air Force in Oklahoma City, where they lived for 15 months, where their first child was born, a son.

Donna returned to Wisconsin, where Bud attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison, studying Electrical Engineering. Two daughters were born. Donna and Bud and their three kids moved to Syracuse, N.Y. They were there for 33 years where two more sons were born.

Donna was quite accomplished at counted cross stitch, winning numerous ribbons at the New York State Fair. She was also a gifted baker; she loved to make candy and treats.

Donna spent her retirement in Polson. Montana. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Larry and sister Leah.

She is survived by her husband of 73 years, Bud; her five children, David, Laurie (Tom) Coldren, Cynthia (George) Gebo, Bobby and John, six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and her brother Steve Richter.

There will be a Vigil service held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 6:00 P.M. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with the Funeral Mass to be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 5:00 P.M. also at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Burial will be private by the family.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.