Harold James Radeke

Harold “Hal” James Radeke, born November 18, 1936, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, graduated to be with our Lord on Friday, January 18, 2019.

Hal is survived by his wife, Barbara, whom he always bought roses for on Valentine’s Day; his daughter, Christina, his preferred partner for early morning fishing expeditions; and two sisters, Judy and Barb, whom he loved dearly.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Thelma; his sister, Shirley; and many beloved animal companions.

Hal led a storied life that took him from the halls of Iowa State University where he earned a bachelor of science degree in aeronautical engineering to a three-year service with the U.S. Navy at the Convair Missile Plant in Pomona, CA. His career unfolded in two parts: first as an aeronautical engineer for Hughes Aircraft, and then later in life, running his own business as a plumbing and heating contractor.

Hal and Barb relocated from Southern California to Aspen, Colorado, in 1970, where he spent 35 years raising a family and pursuing his passions of hunting and fishing, flying of small aircraft, and what he affectionately referred to a “spirited old men’s” tennis. Hal retired in 2005, and he and Barb relocated to Sandpoint, Idaho.

His proudest achievement of his golden years in Sandpoint was his time as a docent at the Bird Aviation Museum, where he regaled visitors with stories of the wonders of flight. Any day spent fishing the waters of Lake Pend Oreille was a good one, even when he didn’t catch anything.

A memorial service in his honor will be held at Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, where he was an active member, on Monday, January 28, 2019, at 2 p.m., at 1900 Pine St., Sandpoint.