Rodney Radtke

Rodney Lee Radtke was born on September 6, 1955 in Bertha, Minnesota, the son of Edwin and Bonnie (Apelgrain).  He was baptized at Oak Hill church in Osakis and grew up in rural Long Prairie.  In 1967 the family moved from the farm to Mounds View area and in 1969 moved to Blaine.  He was confirmed at Messiah Lutheran Church in Mounds View on September 20, 1970.  He graduated from Spring Lake Park High School in 1974.  He worked for the Highway department with his Uncle Darrell Apelgrain, before attending Staples Vo-Tech for Heavy Equipment.  While in Staples, he started driving semi truck over the road. On September 20, 1980, Rod married Lynn Catherine Gafkjen at Messiah Lutheran Church in Mounds View, and they made their home in Blaine.  In 1982 he started working for Photo Corp of America (PCA) in Minneapolis as a photographer and later as a certified district trainer, studio manager/photographer at Focal Point One Hour Photo in Roseville, CPI(Sears) Portrait studio in Brookdale Mall, and Great Photos Fast in Golden Valley.  In 2010 he opened his own studio, Rod Radtke Photography, in Fridley.  He was selected to be one of the Starkey Foundation Gala photographers, where he took photographs of presidents, musicians, sports figures and astronauts.  His grandchildren were his favorite subjects.  After photography, riding his Goldwing motorcycle was his one of greatest joys.  He was an avid Nascar racing fan.

He is survived by loving wife, Lynn of Blaine, two children, Lauren of New Brighton, Ross (Jenn) of St Paul and two grandchildren, Linnea and Reed.  Also survived by his mother Bonnie and two sisters, Cheryl (Jim) Kellar of Blaine, Julie of Blaine and one brother Rick (Christine) of Zimmerman; many nieces and nephews, and their children.

He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents and other loved ones.

Memorial Service 1 PM Monday, May 21, 2018 at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2848 County Road H2, Mounds View, with visitation 1 hour prior and Sunday, May 20 from 4-7 PM at the church