Lucille (Radtke) Bloemke, 91, a longtime resident of Belmond and owner of Bloemke Pharmacy died peacefully Sunday, September 24, 2023, at the Kanawha Community Home. Public funeral services will be Monday, October 2, 2023, 11:00 AM, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 304 3rd Ave. Northeast, Belmond. The Reverend Katie Pals will be officiating. Burial will be at the side of her husband Richard “Dick” Bloemke in the Belmond Cemetery. Public visitation will be on Sunday from 5-7 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church and will continue Monday from 10-11 AM prior to the funeral service. The funeral service will be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person on the Andrews Funeral Homes Facebook page, just LIKE the page to view.
Lucille Radtke, the daughter of Herman and Laura (Schwartz) Radtke was born June 20, 1932, in Springfield, MN, the youngest of five children. Growing up on the family farm she learned the values of faith, family and hard work. Being the youngest child, she helped care for her parents and helped out on the farmstead.
She graduated from Springfield High School in 1950. There she met her high school sweetheart Richard “Dick” Bloemke. After she graduated from high school, she worked for Sward Kemp Drug Store. She and Dick were united in marriage May 16, 1954, and celebrated 68 years together. Following their marriage, due to Dick’s Pharmacy schooling and military service they relocated several times, moves included St. James, MN, San Antonia, TX, Stuttgart, Germany, Denison, IA, Dows, IA and eventually moving to Belmond in 1960. After moving to Belmond, Lucille worked from home providing bookkeeping services for auto mechanic Johnny Pals. Later on, she worked for PSI as a personal secretary and proofer. When Lucille and Dick purchased the pharmacy from Dale Kessler, she and Dick worked side by side as partners until their retirement.
In 1981, daughter Terri (Havens) joined the pharmacy, graduating from Drake. Son Brad joined the business in 2000. In July 2023, Bloemke Pharmacy celebrated 63 years of business in Belmond. Lucille and Dick’s children proudly continue to operate and service the community of Belmond and surrounding areas in keeping their legacy alive. Lucille and Dick always gave of themselves to the community of Belmond. Lucille and Dick created the floral plants on the downtown Belmond arcade. Lucille did many things behind the scenes and offered her support by donating her time, resources and other things in ways that were often unseen. You could always count on them to attend a community event. Lucille and Dick loved to travel experiencing many family adventures around the United States and several countries. Lucille’s favorite destination by far was the Royal Lahaina Resort in Maui. She loved the flowers, the whales and the walks on the beach. Many travels included Dick’s brother Raymond and wife Joan, as well as many other family members. Lucille loved her Hummel figurines and Precious Moments. She enjoyed her own collection as well as helping customers with theirs, picking the perfect figurine for each occasion. Countless hours were spent at the pharmacy coffee counter enjoying conversations with her customers and friends. She also cherished special friendships with her birthday coffee group, that lasted for many years.
Lucille was a loving wife, devoted mom, doting grandma and great grandma. She and Dick truly were lifelong partners, attending their children and grandchildren’s many activities, events, and celebrations. Family occasions and holidays were important to Lucille. She and Dick could be found getting around town in their Lincoln with the “LucynMe” license plates. She was a wonderful cook and baker and became known for her sour cream coffee cake, not that she didn’t enjoy a good meal out! One of her favorite spots being Casa Chameleon for pizza and ice cream.
Those wishing to express their sympathies though a memorial in Lucille’s memory may consider the Belmond Growth Alliance Main Street Fund, Belmond Hospital Foundation, Trinity Lutheran Church, or the Kanawha Community Home.
Her memory will be carried forward in the hearts and minds of her children: daughters Debra (Richard) Dannen, Ames, IA, Terri (Mark) Havens, Belmond, IA; and sons Scott (Kelly) Bloemke and Brad Bloemke all of Belmond, IA; grandsons: Michael (Lisa) Bryant, Travis Havens, Derek Havens, Blayze Bloemke; granddaughters: Diana (Matt) Kain, Tayler (Collin) Swanson, Josie Bloemke; great granddaughters Emma Bryant and Victoria Kain; great grandsons Charlie Bryant and Alexander Kain; along with many other extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Richard “Dick” Bloemke on February 28, 2023; sisters Elna (Carl) Hauger, Viola (Ralph) Mode, Evelyn (Hugo) Schultz, and brother Arnold Radtke, nephew Larry Schultz, and nephew-in-law Edward Kamolz.
Andrews Funeral Homes, Belmond, IA. http://www.andrewsfuneralhomeandfloral.com 641-444-4474.
