Laura Karolina Radtke

A much admired, loved and adored Laura Karolina Radtke, of Oshkosh ,WI, left this Earth for a better realm, 3 November 2011. Laura was born in Mo Telemark, Norway, 9 August 1908 to Sofia and Torjus Larson, the second of ten children. Emigrating when she was a toddler, she made four trans-Atlantic crossings with her mother, and an infant sister, meeting their father, and family members in northern Minnesota, hoping for prosperity in farming the good earth. Once there, the family established a farm at Oklee, MN, and as the family grew larger, relocated to a number of farmsteads before settling in Goodridge, MN. Laura had the fondest of memories growing up in rural Minnesota, walking a long distance to school, hitching up the team and going to church services at the white clapboard, high steepled Norwegian country church, Telemarken., where she was confirmed. Working the fields with her father and siblings, riding bareback on the gentle horses her father drove through the fields, baking bread and canning the bounty from their garden with their mother; and minding the younger children. Laura and her family grew up speaking Norwegian, but she quickly learned English. Attending the Brunkeberg School, she was proud of her accomplishment in speaking beautiful English, her handsome penmenship and other scholastic achievements. She never waivered in her faith of being a full- blooded Norwegian, with a hearty nature. Laura, it is remembered could cook and keep house by the time she was ten years old.At 15, Laura went to work near Edmore, ND to help her cousin with cooking on a cook car for the seasonal threshers. She had many stories of brewing gallons of coffee the old fashioned way with an egg. The egg captured all of the coffee grounds, making a clear cup of coffee. Laura was meticulous in all she did, no matter how small the chore.At 16 , Laura worked in Fargo ND, saving enough money to buy records and a Victrola--the family remembered this was the most exciting piece of furniture in the house!Laura followed a sister to Oshkosh, WI, in the 1930s to help her with a newborn baby, and in search of work. Once in Oshkosh, she worked for notable families, cooking and caring for their children. She was like a family member to them, and remembers fondly of being treated very well. Laura met her husband, Oscar Albert Henry Radtke, an Oshkosh resident, and they married at the Telemarken Church at Goodridge MN on 17 July 1938. Oscar and Laura, a most handsome couple, raised their two girls in Oshkosh. Laura remained in Oshkosh, WI the remainder of her long life. She was well recognized all over town, and well respected.Laura never owned a car or a house, walked with great enthusiasm everywhere, and was beautifully content with life. She never wanted more, and would live her life exactly the same way if she could have it again. Laura was true salt of the earth people.She was a proud member of First English Lutheran Church where she enjoyed quilting, knitting sweaters, and making up layettes to send overseas. She was a member there of the Dorcas Circle.Laura will be remembered and honored by all, as the true Lady she was: Precious, lovely and faithful.Little Things a favorite song of the Larson family children:Little drops of waterLittle grains of sandMake the mighty oceanAnd the promised land.Little deeds of kindnessLittle words of LoveMake the home around usAnd the heaven aboveSurvivors include her caregiver, and grand-daughter, Kirsten Buckstaff, (Roger Miller) of Oshkosh, WI; Sisters Cecelia Ostertag, Oshkosh WI; Elsie Harter, Wayzata, MN; Ingeborg Johnson, Thief River Falls, MN; two daughters, Karen Radtke Buckstaff, and Jean Radtke Harker; Five grandchildren, and seven great-grand children. Many nieces, nephews and friends.She was preceded in death by her husband Oscar A. H. Radtke, Oshkosh, WI; parents Sofie and Torjus Larson, brother Knute Larson, all of Thief River Falls, MN; loving sisters; Maria Helga VeVea, Thordus Langerud, Gunda Pedersen, Petra Nigl, and Bertha Olava Kenyon. Additionally, special son-in-law, John D.Buckstaff, Jr.A funeral service for Laura will be held Tuesday Nov. 8, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. at First English Lutheran Church, Rev. Tim Greenwald officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday from 2 p.m. until the service. Burial will be in Telemarken Lutheran Cemetery, Goodridge, MN.

First English Lutheran Church



1013 Minnesota Street
Oshkosh
WI
54902

Tuesday, November 08, 2011
2:00 p.m. - service



First English Lutheran Church



1013 Minnesota Street
Oshkosh
WI
54902

Tuesday, November 08, 2011
3:00 p.m.



Telemarken Lutheran Cemetery



Goodridge, MN