Reuben E Radtke, 79, of Owatonna, died Friday, May 22, 2009 at Owatonna Hospital. Reuben was born April 30, 1930 in Eyota, Minnesota the son of Albert and Alta (Caulkins) Radtke. When Reuben was younger he attended school in Elgin and then attended high school in La Crosse. He enlisted into the Unites States Army Air Force on December 13, 1950 and served during the Korean Conflict. After his honorable discharge in December of 1953, Reuben returned to Minnesota and he attended the Minnesota School of Business in Minneapolis. He was united in marriage to Ruth Duncanson on July 11, 1959 in Rochester. There he worked as a cab driver and in construction. In 1961 he farmed in the Winona area. In 1965, they moved to Owatonna and he worked at OMC as a welder. In 1968 until 1980, Reuben worked at Truth Company as a punch press operator and also farmed near Hope. After working at Truth for 12 years, Reuben worked as an over the road semi-driver for Marten Transportation located in Wisconsin. He retired in 1991. On his farm, Reuben grew ginseng. He had an inventive mind and was always trying to make equipment more efficient. Reuben had a special love for his family and after a series of strokes he entered the Cedar View Care Center. He is survived by his wife Ruth Radtke of Owatonna; a daughter, Jackie (and Kim) Crawford of Lyle; two sons, Calvin (and Christine) Radtke of Red Wing; Jim Radtke of Austin; a brother, Herbert (and Deloris) Radtke of Elgin; and two granddaughters, Amber Crawford and Holly Crawford. He was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Alta Radtke, a sister, Arlene, a brother, Rudolph, a great grandson, Lee, a nephew, Rick and a niece, Cindy. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home one hour prior to the service. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at 3:00 PM at Michaelson Funeral Home with The Reverend Julie Malone officiating. Reuben requested that his body be donated to the Rochester Mayo Anatomy Department to help students learn and further their education. Military honors will be provided by the Steele County Military Funeral Unit. Visitation: 05/26/2009 14:00 05/26/2009 15:00 Service: 05/26/2009 15:00