Randall “Ole” was born in Sidney, MT, on January 11, 1957, to parents Don and June (Burman) Radke, the youngest of seven children. The family lived at the Smith Creek Ranch south of Sidney, before moving to Wibaux when Ole was 3 years old. Educated in Wibaux Ole loved and excelled at sports. Graduating in 1975, he received a scholarship to play football for the Dickinson Blue Hawk. His dad took such great joy in attending all his games something Ole cherished. He was always especially close to his mother and father.
Ole had a strong work ethic spending his summers in his early high school years working and staying at ranches in the Baker Ekalaka area. Between his junior and senior year he (fudged) his age so he could follow his big brother Moose into the oilfield. He continued to work in the oilfield for years, moving up through the ranks and working as a consultant. Although, the money was better in those positions took him away from family, something he was having no part of, preferring to work shift work so he could be home every day. When oil went bust in the 80’s Ole took a job as a youth counselor at Sky Ranch for Boys were his sister was principle, his mother a cook and his dad was ranch manager. At Sky Ranch he combined his deep compassion and love with the consistent discipline to enhance the outcomes for each boy he worked with. The Radke’s moved to Sidney in 1989 where Ole returned to the oil field until becoming injured, after which he attended Dawson Community College, earning an associate degree in parts management. Ole found a new arena of employment in the field of parts management in which he also excelled. He found a work home at Hurley’s for the last several years.
Ole found his life mate and best friend in his bride, Pam Parker; they were united in marriage on June 25, 1977. Their bond grew strong over the years and others marveled at their relationship. To their marriage were born three sons, Tyler Essex, Lucas Eugene, and Randall Ray, Jr. Each son has inherited many positive qualities from their father, not the least of which included a strong work ethic and deep reverence for family. Ole has always deeply loved and enjoyed his sons and more recently his grandkids. He looked forward to and cherished the moments he spent with all nine of his grandkids.
When Ole was just a little guy, he began to develop friends that would last a lifetime. During the different phases of his education he shared interest and became friends with many. For various jobs that he held, friendships evolved from mutual dependence on each other and too would last a lifetime. His friend, were very important to Ole. He enjoyed the time spent with them and was always there when they needed him.
Randall “Ole” was taken from this life in a tragic 4 wheeler accident on Tuesday, May 17, 2016, near Livingston, MT.
Surviving him are: his wife, Pam Radke, Sidney, MT; his three sons, Tyler (Kris) Radke and Randy (Suzann) Radke all of Sidney, MT, and Luke (Holly) Radke, Williston, ND; his brother, Rick (Debbie) Radke, Rock Springs, WY; two sisters, Sandy (Ben) Grey Eagle, Glendive, MT and Patt (Dennis) Whitney, Wibaux, MT; sister-in-law, Sandra Radke, Wibaux, MT; and his 9 grandkids.
Preceding him is death: his parents, his brothers-Robert “Bob” and Don Jr. “Moose”, his sister, Penny Ostby, his daughter-in-law, Jennifer King Radke, his niece, Jessica Grey Eagle, his grandparents, his aunts and uncles.