Laura Ruth Radloff

LAURA RUTH RADLOFF, age 94 of Elysian died on Sunday, May 26, 2013 at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

Born on June 22, 1918 in rural Waldorf, she was the daughter of Bruce and Clara (Latta) Piltz.  She graduated from Waldorf High School and continued her education at the Mankato Normal School.   Following her schooling, Laura taught country school for one year.  She married John Ernest Frank Radloff on October 28, 1939 in Mapleton.  Together they lived and farmed north of Elysian for many years.  They also operated Radloff Turkey Farm and later raised sheep.  Following her husband’s death, she continued to work on the farm for many years.  She enjoyed gardening, crafts, baking and sewing.  She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church-German Lake where she was a part of the women’s quilting circle.

She is survived by four children, John (Joan) Radloff of Prior Lake, Jean (Ralph) Tolzman of Le Sueur, Kathleen (Clark) Fell of Elysian and Lori Turley of Seattle; son-in-law, Gene Bartelt of Waterville; daughter-in-law Shelly Radloff of Waterville; 25 grandchildren; and 32 great grandchildren.  She is also survived by one brother, Leon Piltz of Waldorf and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; three children, Steven Radloff, Nancy Bartelt, and Dale Radloff; one great grandson, Thomas Bartlett; and siblings, Marjorie Schoenfeld, Thelma Braatz, Blanche Christiansen, Bruce “Buddy” Piltz, and Harold Piltz.