Obituary of Steven Radjenovich

Dr. Steven Radjenovich D.O. died on January 1, 2016 at his home in Alexandria after being diagnosed with a brain tumor on Thanksgiving Day. Steve was born December 3, 1941 in Washington, Iowa to Steve and Wilma (Bales) Radjenovich. Through the years they lived in Edmonton, Alberta Canada, Tokyo Japan and Minneapolis, where he attended Washburn High School and graduated in 1959. He attended college at St. Cloud State and then worked as an orderly at Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis where he met Judy Frisk, a nursing student. They were married on August 29, 1964. He attended graduate school at USD in Vermillion, SD followed by medical school at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, MO. Medical school rotations in small rural towns convinced him that this was the type of medicine he wanted to practice. In 1975, he moved with Judy and three little girls to Wheaton, MN to become a Family Practice physician. A new baby boy soon followed. He practiced in Wheaton for 28 years. He cared deeply about his patients, often providing home visits, advocating for those who did not know how or could not advocate for themselves. He believed everyone deserved good and equal medical care no matter their situation. He practiced medicine with all his heart, often not telling his patients what they wanted to hear, but what was best for them. He was especially compassionate to his dying patients and their families. In 2000, they moved to Alexandria where he established a practice there, along with building a Bed and Breakfast on Lake L'Homme Dieu. He was a Mason and Shriner and was a member of the Minnesota Coroners and Medical Examiners Association and the American Osteopathic Association for 30 years. Over the years he often welcomed those without family to join ours for holidays or invited those passing through town to sit for a meal. In addition to medicine, some of his other passions included fishing, flying, and entertaining. He traveled to Alaska for salmon and halibut, many times bringing friends, patients, and family along. He hosted many lamb and pig roasts over the years and will be remembered for his daily naps, never being afraid to voice his opinion, lengthy story-telling and his "colorful" language! His nature was not hidden by political correctness! Steve was preceded in death by his parents and two infant granddaughters, Amber and Elsie. His is survived by his wife Judy, brother Joel, Somerset, WI, daughters Renee (Drew) Donnelly, Wheaton, MN, Sarah (Jason) Miller, Gayville, SD, Anna (Adam) Holmes, Long Lake, MN son Paul (Bonnie) Radjenovich, Sauk Centre MN, grandchildren, Sophie, Claire, Alec, and Max Donnelly, Andrea and Jaxson Miller, Hugo, Walter, and Dwight Holmes, Graham and Gabrielle Radjenovich, and his dog, Gus. We will miss him very much... Please join us in celebrating his life- Shalom Lutheran Church 800 County Road 44 Alexandria MN Visitation: Friday, January 8, 5-7 pm Service: Saturday, January 9, 10:30 am