William C. “Bill” Radtke passed away peacefully at Stonebridge Nursing Center in Owensville, Missouri during the evening of October 1, 2026, with his youngest sister Cate Radtke at his bedside. Bill was born in Washington, Missouri June 25, 1947, to Raymond W. Radtke and Mildred J. Radtke (Roetheli). He was the first of ten children.

He grew up in Hermann, Missouri, where he attended St. George Catholic school, K-8. Through his early life he liked to go hunting and fishing and enjoyed visiting the farms of nearby relatives.

In 1961, he entered St. Joseph’s Seminary in Westmont, IL. Bill then attended Quincy College in Quincy, IL in 1967 & 1968. He completed his seminary training at St. Paschal’s in Oak Brook, IL. There he was ordained a Franciscan brother with the class of 1968. He remained in Oak Brook and worked in the construction trade until 1971. During his years at the seminary he made many friends among the priests, brothers and fellow seminarians.

Later in 1971 he embarked on life as a missionary in Santarem, Brazil, where he lived and worked among the indigenous people. Bill learned to speak and write fluent Portuguese and learned a great deal from the Brazilian people. He helped build a hospital and school at the mission. Since fishing was part of daily life there, he made quick friends among Brazilians and his fellow missionaries. The group regularly fished the Amazon and Tapajos Rivers. Bill liked letter writing, and he frequently sent letters home about his experiences on the rivers and at the mission. Sometimes when he came back home on break, he would give presentations to school kids and organizations in Hermann—eager to share his experiences with slide shows and stories.

Another of Bill’s favorite pastimes and talents was playing guitar and singing―mostly country music. He had an uncanny ability to mimic the voices of various country western stars, such as Johnny Cash, Hank Snow and Willie Nelson. He enjoyed recounting humorous stories starring some of Hermann’s local characters, some of them he met while helping out at his dad’s store, Ray’s Market. He often ended up laughing just as hard as the people listening to the stories.

Bill was at his best when he was helping others, whether it was travelling by plane, boat or motorcycle to acquire supplies for the mission in Brazil or putting up hay and fences for folks in Hermann.

Bill moved back to Hermann permanently in 1993. He continued to work construction and helped others in the area in any way he could. He also continued vegetable gardening at home on Third Street. He became nearly famous for his Stripey tomatoes one year, and for the hot and flavorful peppers he grew from seeds he brought back from Brazil.

He enjoyed getting together with friends and relatives to share a meal and some music and he was always quick with telling a story or two. Not only was Bill a skilled hunter and angler, he was every bit as talented when it came to preparing his haul for some good eating, whether it was venison, turkey, rabbit or bluegill. A good time for him was having a fish fry for friends and family; he could fry up the best skillet of fish you’d ever want to eat.

He learned sausage making skills from working with his dad, and made first rate summer sausage and bratwurst, as well as smoked meats. It was always a treat to receive a gift of smoked bratwurst, pork shoulder or jowl from Bill at Christmas time- a generous habit he carried out for years.

Bill was an avid reader for most of his life. He also enjoyed a good western, crime dramas, and old sitcoms.

Bill’s life wasn’t without complications, however. His life took some unexpected turns. In his later years, he began having health issues which landed him in various facilities. Many thanks to everyone who provided care for him.  It was always easier for Bill to look after others than it was for him to care for himself.

Bill was preceded in death by both of his parents, father Raymond Radtke in 2006 & mother Mildred Radtke in 2008; and his true friends from the mission in Brazil, Sisters Ursala and Martha and Brother Harry. He is survived by his nine siblings: Lorayne Radtke (Jim) Burns of Lexington, KY, Raymond G.Radtke of Columbia, MO, Mary (Dave) Marner of Owensville, MO, John Radtke of Snohomish, WA, Janis Radtke (Bruce) Morris of Lynnwood, WA, Marge Radtke and partner Dan Neill of Livingston, MT, Timothy Radtke and wife Luisa of Lynwood Washington, Cate Radtke of Hermann, Charley Radtke of Cedarburg, WI, and his beloved nephew and nieces: Nathan Burns of Lexington, KY, Chloe Radtke of  Cedarburg, WI, Skyler Marner (son Ziggy Morris) of Warrensburg, MO.

A funeral mass will be held at St. George Church.