Kenneth Raddatz

Kenneth Charles "Bud" Raddatz was one of those special people that could talk to anyone. His magnetic personality attracted friends and strangers alike. He was the kind of person you wanted to have for a friend.

Transcontinental flights, overseas phone calls, and television are all things we take for granted in today's world of instant messaging, space travel and globalization. But in 1927, when Kenneth Raddatz was born, these were remarkable achievements that were only dreamt about. However, smaller, but no less important dreams were coming true on August 24, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Charles and Mary Raddatz welcomed the birth of their only son, Kenneth. Along with his sister Mary, Kenneth spent his childhood growing up in the family neighborhood. He attended St. James School and graduated from Union High School. Like most young men of this time, Kenneth joined the army, and bravely served his country while stationed in Japan during World War II.

Kenneth loved to dance and sing - he was nicknamed "Frankie" after Frank Sinatra when he was in school - and was exceptionally good at both. While at a local dance one evening, he met a lovely young lady named Lois. She just could not resist a man who could sing and dance as beautifully as Kenneth. They dated for three months and were married on July 12, 1952. Kenneth loved anything to do with the outdoors so the newlyweds decided to honeymoon in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Life was never dull, and perhaps as a sign of the exciting things to come, a bear managed to find its way into their cabin. It did not take long for Kenneth and Lois to scamper out the window to safety, complete with a story to tell future grandchildren. The greatest day of his life was the births of his sons, David and Gary. Kenneth and Lois celebrated their 51st anniversary this past summer.

Kenneth Raddatz was no stranger to hard work. He was very proud of his skills as a die maker which was evident in the fact that he worked for the Jarecki Corporation for 26 years and for Reynolds Metals for 8 ½ years.

The outdoors called to Kenneth all his life. He loved to hunt and fish, catching a sturgeon in Muskegon one time that was so big it was written up in the newspaper. He took special care of the equipment needed for these pursuits, treating his guns and fishing gear with love and care. He was also a collector. He had a rather large stamp collection that he was very proud of. Some even called him a "pack rat". He was always saving things to be used later; perhaps a habit learned growing up in the depression.

Kenneth C. Raddatz, age 76, passed away Tuesday October 14, 2003 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles C. and Mary M. Raddatz. He is survived by Lois, his wife of 51 years; his children, David M. (Kim) Raddatz of Grand Rapids, Gary W. (Stacey) Raddatz of Middleville; grandchildren Chanel and Halston Raddatz; sister Mary Rita (Walter) Pipp of Grand Haven; and many nieces and nephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 11:00 AM at Holy Spirit Church, 2230 Lake Michigan Dr. NW with interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. Friends may meet the family at the Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 where a rosary will be prayed at 7:30 PM. You may read Kenneth's life story, leave a memory, or make a memorial contribution by visiting www.lifestorynet.com. Memorial contributions to Holy Spirit Church would be appreciated.

Kenneth was a find dad and loving husband. He will be greatly missed.