Requiescat in pace

Louise Bradtke, photo by Michael F. Bradtke

Bradtke, Louise M., 86, of DeLand, Florida, died Thursday, October 7th, 2011. Born in Newton, Massachusetts, she graduated from Emerson College in Boston. She married Donald F. Bradtke in 1948, with whom she had four children. She received a Master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Miami, and devoted her working life to the care and training of developmentally disabled and emotionally disturbed people. She contributed her expertise to books, articles, and training sessions for institutional and community workers. The Bradtkes moved from Miami to DeLand in 1978, and in 1979 they established an educational business, Bradtke Educational Systems Inc, to help children with special needs. Louise was well noted for her infant stimulation program and her work with the local Associations for Retarded Citizens. She continued consulting well into her eighties.

She enjoyed gardening, reading, and taking walks in nearby nature centers and on the beach. She is survived by her husband, their four children and three grandchildren, and her younger brother. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The ARC of Volusia, P.O. Box 9658 Daytona Beach, FL 32120,  (386) 274-4736; The West Volusia Humane Society, 800 Humane Society Road, DeLand, FL 32720-2400, tel. (386) 734-2450; or the Halifax Health Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, 1625 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Orange City, FL 32673.  Arrangements are under the direction of Allen Summerhill Funeral Homes. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday October 13th at Allen Summerhill Funeral Home 126 East New York Ave, DeLand Florida 32724