MEMORIES OF ELIZABETH M. HORVATH RADTKE

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SOUTH BEND - Elizabeth Margaret was born on October 25, 1921 to Louis John Horvath and Rosalia Gizella (Hadarich) in South Bend, Indiana. Welcomed by brothers William “Bill” and Louis Jr. and Albert “Bud”. She grew up at 2214 Kemble Avenue in South Bend, worked at Studebakers until she was out of high school where she majored in business. She attended South bend College of Commerce. Took two years of advanced shorthand at Indiana University Extension. She also attended the General Service Institute course of Secretarial Practices for Government Secretaries given by the U.S. Civil Service Commission in Chicago.

She was secretary for 19 years to Commanding Officers at the Naval Plant Representative Office of Bendix Aerospace Systems Division in Mishawaka, IN from 1952-1973, when the plant closed, the last to leave the building.

She retired to Winter Park, FL with her sister Irene Horvath to join her sister Margie and husband Edmund L. Pierce. She had lived with her sister Irene since her divorce from William Radtke in 1962, until 2004, when Irene returned to Indiana.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by all her family members. She lived out her life in Winter Park surrounded by friends.

According to her wishes, there will be no services. Cremation has taken place. She will be laid to rest in the family plot in Sacred Heart Cemetery at a later date. Zahoran Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society, American Cancer Society, Salvation Army, Feed the Children and the Water Project in her name. To leave an online condolence, please visit our website at www.zahoran.com, or our facebook page, Zahoran Funeral Home.

As Always if you can identify any person or subject please feel free to contact me ([email protected])

In the late 1940s, the Studebaker Girls' Glee Club performed concerts before differant community organizations in the area. Bette Horvah Radtke, who was a member, figures the Studebaker Corp. organized the emplyee group to promote good public relations and good employee relations: "We were a big familyand really had a lot of fun: The singers practiced every week in the Studebaker Administraition building and traveled by city bus to their concerts. Amoung those in the photo are Betty Hahn, Rosa Hahn, Ruth Thomas, Ruth Lehman, Lucille Hagman, Mary Parks, Ethel Gerber, Lucile Sausaman and Elizabeth Horvath Radtke.

cira 1950 a Wedding Gift for his co-workers Studebaker Corp - Plant 4 Export Divivision

While she worked at: Naval Plant Representative Office of Bendix Aerospace Systems Division in Mishawaka, Indiana - 1952-1973 -

Cdm Wellen - 4 tours of duty - 1st Comanding Officer - Naval Plant Represention TALOS Missle - U.S. Navy


Jan 1961 - All Hands Meeting	CDR Maberry presents Capt Bassett award picture on 25 Sep 1961

W. F Miller - 20 Year Service Award 25 Sep 1961	25 Sep 1961 Luncheon LCDR Bradish, O.C. Omberg, W.F. Miller, Capt Bassett, Capt Donahue	Capt Bassett


Skit for Capt Bassett at his farewell Luncheon on 25 Sep 1961	Skit Continued	Skit Continued	Skit Continued

Official Change of Command 25 Sept 1962 - Capt P.M. Donahue relieves Capt L.F. Bassett


Cira 1961-1964 - Mary Reilfsnyder recieves Benny Sugg Award from Capt. P.M. Donahue	Cira 1961-1964 - Gloria S. Wood recieves Benny Sugg Award from Capt. P.M. Donahue

Capt Donahue, R.T. McGrath, Mary Lou Edwards, & Mike Nusbaum	Capt Donahue presenting awards

More awards	January, 1961 - All Hands Meeting

Swearing In	Incentive Award to Liz Dentino from Capt Donahue - 23 Jul 1962

Farewell Luncheon for Capt P.M. Donahue - MAy 1964	Capt P, M. Donahue

Left to Right; Patricia Davis, Virginia Bauwens, and Bette Radtke being congratulated on their promotions by DCR G. S. Ives - September 1969