Stuart Wayne Radke, of Hanover, passed away peacefully at Hanover and District Hospital on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. He was 82. Born on March 19, 1942, in Cambridge to the late Alfred and Mildred (nee Rawlings) Radke.
Over his lifetime, Stu had many careers including working in agricultural, retail sales, autobody painting and a stretch as an auctioneer. From a very young age riding along with local police, however, Stu’s heart was anchored in police service. He exemplified unwavering dedication to his uniform and an unrelenting commitment to serving his community.
Stu was a unique character with a passion for many things in his life including country living, music, and community. Anything Stu took on he did with his whole heart. Over the past 30 years, Stu directed his passion and dedication to being an advocate for Parkinson’s raising awareness and funds through SuperWalk events and unforgettable “Men’s Only” Dinner events. He and Jane paved the way for so many others in the community to get diagnosis and support.
Loved by his devoted wife Jane (nee Murdy, Norris) Radke of Hanover. Loved father of Rob (Suzanne) Norris of Manitoulin Island and Libby Norris of Mississauga. Special grandfather of Alex Norris and Jeremy and Nicholas (Ashlee) Hall. Fondly remembered by his siblings Glen (Fran) Radke of Wellesley and Elaine (Greg) Hamp of Cambridge as well as his nieces, nephews, and their families. Predeceased by his parents.
Visitation will be held at Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover, on Sunday, June 9, 2024, from 2-4pm. A Funeral Service will be held at Grace United Church, Hanover on Monday, June 10, 2024, at 1:00 pm. Pastor Jenn Brown officiating. Interment to follow in Hanover Cemetery.
Memorial donations to the Parkinson Foundation of Southwestern Ontario or the Hanover and District Hospital Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
My condolences to Jane, Rob & Libby. Stu was very supportive in my time as chaplain of the police service and I counted him as a friend. I have many great memories of my ride alongs with him.. Praying for you
- Ted MolyneauxJane sincere sympathy on the loss of your dear husband Stuart. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Judy & Jim SloanSorry for you loss, my deepest condolences. Stu was such a wonderful and funny guy. I will miss hearing him say "good morning kid, how's is going" every morning at work. He will be missed.
- TanyaOur sincere condolences to you and your family, Jane. Remembering Stu as Friar Tuck in Robin Hood Men in Tights.
- Paul and Marion MaderJane, the South Enders network alerted me to Stu's passing. I have thought about you both over the years. Always enjoyed my times with you and Stu. My condolences to you and the family.
- Sharon GardinerOur deepest condolences to you Jane.
Stu was a great man, I learned a lot from him.
And I always enjoyed having him stop by to visit me and Goldie!
Sorry to hear of Stu's passing. Cherish your memories.
Ruby McCracken
Jane, Rob and Libby - We were so sorry to hear about Stu passing away. He was a good man who gave back to his community. Cherish your memories. Thinking of you all at this time.
- Suzanne and Steve WhiteSo sorry to hear about your loss. Stu was wonderful to work with and an asset to our community. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
- Shirley YoungSending you and your family a big warm hug. I will greatly miss Stu's phone calls. He always had a joke to tell and he always put a smile on my face. He was so proud of you and his family and I loved getting the updates on the grandkids. He will always have a special place in our hearts. Veronika, Brandon and Alyssa.
- Veronika PoltSorry to hear of Stu's passing. Cherish your memories.
Ruby McCracken
Stu was a great friend to the Scheifeles family..My dad John Scheifele and mý self taked to Stu alot..He was my neighbor when I lived at County Meadows in Hanover and never once did he not wave coming around the corner by our house ..A real gentleman and just a nice guy ..Rest in Peace my friend ..Wayne scheifele grandbend on.Canada
- Wayne ScheifeleSorry for your loss. I would meet Stu different times when we moved to Hanover when out walking with my 2 dogs in 2012. In December I started helping at Day Away at the hospital and what a pleasure it was to help him especially playing cards which I like to do. He was always so nice. We had many good laughs. My thoughts go out to you. Lynne
- Lynne LerchJane and family, we are so sorry about Stu. Whenever we met, he always had a story for us. Jack used to go to his Men's nights in support of Parkinson's and always was a good time and much enjoyment for everyone. Stu will be missed, hold close to your memories.
- Jack and Ellen CavillSending our prayers and God's love to Jane and the family at this sad time. Deut. 33 and27 Marshall and Yvonne Rawlings.
- Marshall RawlingsJane and family, you have our sympathy on the death of Stu. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers, during this difficult time.
- Allan and Jackie PenfoldMy deepest condolences to Jane and family. Greet memories of Stu since I was a toddler and was a good friend to my family.
Sending Sympathy to Jane and Libby and Family. Every Sunday I visit my mother Thelma @ 97 years young in Chatham and one of the things we do is catch up with the Mighton posted obituaries. Stu was the first one we saw. I asked Mom about you and Stu as neighbours and she went on and on, all great and sometimes. Just wanting to send you our sympathies from the Neighbourhood Winklers to the Radke's. RIP Stu
- JAMES WINKLERDear Jane My deepest sympathy to you in the passing of your husband. Memories of him, my parents & the McCurdys' on the 12th - many laughs, Abraham Lincoln once said, “In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.” He was so community minded. Take care. Hugs
- Donna ( Hastie) WatkeWe extend our sympathy to Jane & family. Stu was a good friend. We will miss our visits and phone calls. He fought the good fight bringing happiness to others. May he Rest In Peace with the Lord.
- Don & Helen WaechterWith deepest sympathy to Jane and family on the passing of Stu.Spend many days working with Stu while at the Hanover Police. He was a character and we had many laughs. He was always talking about life and family.
RIP Stu
We were saddened to hear that Stu had passed. Cam is missing his phone calls. Rest in Peace Stu. Cam & Barb McCracken
- Barbara McCrackenI am saddened to hear of Stu's passing but, at the same time, he can now rest peacefully. Don had so many "Stu Stories" of when they worked together. He would come to visit from time to time and always had to leave with a joke. RIP.
- Doreen GatemanJane and family, John and I have fond memories of Stan stopping by our house in Bentinck for a visit and encouraging my father when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's, Stan had cheerful, kind words whenever we met. The journey with Parkinson's was a long one but both of you were such uplifting, compassionate supporters of others who faced similar journeys. We will miss Stan and so will many in this community. He was one of a kind.
- Heather and John BenderSo sorry to hear of Stu's passing. I learned a great deal from Stu. A wonderful career mentor and friend whose lessons transcended work and blended into life. Lessons I think of regularly. Deepest Condolences to Janie and family. RIP Stu.
Dwayne Frook
So sorry to hear of Stu's passing. I learned a great deal from Stu. A wonderful career mentor and friend whose lessons transcended work and blended into life. Lessons I think of regularly. Deepest Condolences to Janie and family. RIP Stu.
Dwayne Frook
We were sad to hear of Stu's passing
He was such a character
Our deepest and sincere condolences to you Jane and family
Tammy and Al
With fond childhood memories of visiting the cousins.
- Janet McCourtSending our condolences to Stu's family. We have many fond memories of Stu over the years. May he rest in peace.
- Lil & Harold LeudkeJane and family.
So sorry to hear of Stu's passing. Cherish your memories.
Our deepest condolences to you Jane & your family. So many great memories with Stu over the years. Always had a friendly smile with a smart ass comment. He'll be missed.
Mike & Dawn Gateman
Dear Jane and family:
Glen phoned us with the news about Stu. We are very sorry for your loss. Stu was always interesting to talk to at the family reunions. We are so fortunate we got to know him. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Donna and Gary Martin.
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family
- Randy and Vicki dickertDear Jane , Libby, and family , I am very sorry for your loss . Hold tight to your memories , Stu will always be with you in your hearts where ever you may be . RIP Stu.
- Lorrie RungeSorry to hear of Stu's passing. Cherish your memories.
Ruby McCracken
My sincere condolences to Jane and family .
I had the great pleasure of getting to know Stu at McVean Lodge and looked forward to hearing his many stories and adventures he had thru out his life.
He was always full of life and despite dealing with his health he always was cheery and ALWAYS thanked everyone for everything.
We had a special bond and he would always say
“Thanks Kid .. I really appreciate you !
We shared funny stories and the odd joke or two .
I will certainly miss his cheery disposition and determination no matter what life threw at him .
A real pillar in society!
RIP Stu
Will certainly miss you !
Stu was such a cheerful uplifting gentleman
Always enjoyed talking to him
He will indeed be missed by all
Paul and Diane Schuett
Jane and family - sending you sincere condolences on Stu's passing. For many years Doris and I, along with our many volunteers from the Hanover Curling Club catered to the Men's Only fundraising dinner's. Stu was always focused on our providing an outstanding meal to sell out crowds and to raising both much needed funds and awareness for Parkinson's. He would even be sure to help us by auctioning off any leftover pies - less for us to take home and donations going to a great cause. The effort was always worth it when you experienced his smile and genuine gratitude! Such a community champion and such a big personality - his place in your life cannot be filled, but may you be blessed by his memory.
- Nadine SchwandtBlessings and prayers for your family as you remember all the happy times you had with Stuart. Grace
- Grace Page SweeneyIt is with great sadness that I read of Stu's passing. I had the great pleasure of caring for Stu at McVean. He was a great man who always had a nice story to tell me. Condolences to Jane and all the family.
- Mari-Anne AtkinsonSorry Jane to hear of Stu's passing he will surely be missed .
- Cork AlexanderI have such fond memories of Stu. I came to know Stu and Jane through my dear friend Libby. From the first time we met, I was welcomed and made to feel like family. Visits to the farm, and the house, were always filled with jokes, wonderful stories, and lots of good food. He always took a genuine interest in how things were going in my life. He was really good at that. How could you not be touched by Stu's spirit.
Jane, Libby, Alex, Rob, and Suzanne, I send you love and hugs, as you navigate your life without Stu. Gone but never, ever forgotten. XOXO Anne
Dear Jane and family.............was saddened to learn of Stu's passing. May you find comfort in the memories, I know we will....might even have a chuckle or two. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Jan & Laverne Becker
You have my deepest sympathy Jane and also to your families. Stu was such a kind, loving soul. Always having a joke in his back pocket to share with the ones he knew would enjoy it. His big smile always made me feel welcomed to his conversations. I got to know him moreso thru Don and Helen Waechter. He was an avid "Crime Stoppers"advocate. he was so involved in that as well. R.I.P. my friend.
Our condolences to Jane and family. It would be hard to find somebody who didn't like Stu...he was a great guy and we've enjoyed knowing him through the local Parkinsons group. Stu had a great sense of humour and such a positive vibe. He'll be missed for all the contributions he's made over the years.
- Laurie & Rick SymondsJane and family.
We were neighbours on 21st Ave and on stormy days Stu would come over to get Lane and they would go for a drive to see who was crazy enough to be on the roads or to find ‘come-alongs'.
He always had a smile on his face and a story to tell.
So sorry for your loss.
Lane and Joan Ward
I am sorry to hear of Stu's passing but is no longer suffering, he never complained about his illness , i met Stu at Dr Clarks many times he came in to get on the weigh scales LOL and always had a story for the girls, i also volunteered at the Day A Way program and Stu was always enjoed a good card game RIP my friend
- cathy mccartneyWe were saddened to hear about Stuart's passing.
When I was growing up Stuart, Glen and Elaine were the cousins that I spent so many happy times with. Stuart was always interesting and whenever he showed up one could be assured there would be many interesting stories especially when he arrived on his motorcycle.
Our best wishes to Jane and all the family at this sad time.
John and Myrne Rawlings
Jane and family my condolences to you all.
His determination was unwavered as he fought his illness and gave hope to many.
Your tour is over and admired by all.
I'm sorry to hear of Stuart's passing, though pleased his suffering has ended. Stuart was one of the 4 boys in my Gr 7 and 8 classes in our country elementary school near New Dundee. I enjoyed my time being the only girl in our small class of 5. Years later, after not contacting each other, Stuart suggested we 5 meet for dinner to share old times. We enjoyed that time in St Jacobs. His family can be proud of what an honest, personable upstanding citizen Stuart was.
- Esther (Baer) Etchells