Irma Jean Radant, 95

Jean was born third of four children to Clarence and Stella (Purdy) Nahrstedt at their rural Madison home on May 8, 1926. She attended rural Madison County schools and graduated from Madison High School in 1943. She then apprenticed as a beautician in Norfolk until her marriage to Gerald Radant December 1, 1946. They had 68 years together until Gerald’s death in December 2014. They raised five children on their Madison farm where they farmed, raised cattle, and provided roping stock to many rodeos. Jean worked in the fields and especially hay fields for many years. She later did office work in Norfolk at Dudley Cleaners and for many years at Vulcraft. In 2002, they moved to Valentine.

She was baptized in the Trinity Methodist Church in Madison on March 17, 1940, and joined the church that same day. She taught in the Nursery Sunday School room. She later transferred her membership to the First United Methodist Church in Norfolk. She was active in ladies’ groups in both churches. After moving to Valentine, she attended the United Methodist Church as she was able, assisted by granddaughter Erin. She helped her children with 4-H projects and served as a 4-H leader. She helped with family fishing trips, deer hunting trips, travel to Quarter Horse shows, rodeo and team roping competitions.

She loved her extensive Precious Moments collection, quilting and crocheting. She treated all of her family to beautifully decorated cakes for birthdays, graduations and weddings. Her baking and cooking were enjoyed by all—especially her Thanksgiving dressing and creamed peas, and snowy day gooey caramel popcorn—none of her children have been able to replicate her special dishes!! She made the best pies, especially apple, and passed her skill on to her daughter Kathy and great-granddaughter Shauna. At Christmas, she made big boxed gifts of delicious, homemade chocolate candies, and colorfully, decorated gingerbread houses.

She painted ceramics and completed many decorative crafts. She enjoyed reading novels, especially historic romance.

Jean and Gerald enjoyed dancing at Kings Ballroom in their early years and later were very active in square dance clubs. They played cards in a card club, with neighbors, friends, and relatives. Dominoes were another favorite. They golfed and brought home several trophies. When hauling roping stock to many rodeos, their road trips usually involved a chocolate malt.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Gerald Radant, siblings Dale Nahrstedt, Verl Nahrstedt, and Mary Ellen Russell, brother-in-law Boyd Russell, son Randy Radant, grandson Jason Schwartz, and great-granddaughter Courtney Schroeder. She is survived by sisters-in-law Betty Nahrstedt and Harriet Nahrstedt, children Barb (Gene) Schroeder, Larry (Cathy) Radant, Shari (Gary) Bergman, Kathy (Howard) Schwartz and daughter-in-law Pam Radant, 15 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, May 13, 2022 at the United Methodist Church in Valentine. Holmes Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.