Stanley O. Radewald
Oct. 28, 1928-Jan. 20, 2003
Mr. Stanley Otto Radewald, 74, prominent Berrien County farmer of M-140, Niles, Mich., died following a brief illness at 11:25 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20, 2003 in Lakeland Specialty Hospital, Berrien Center, Mich.
He was born on Oct. 26, 1928, in Niles, to Edwin A. and Horence (Knott) Radewald Sr., and lived in this area all his life. He was graduated from Niles High School in 1946 and attended the Michigan State Ag Short Course. He was preceded in death by his parents; and by a son, Dean, who died on Jan. 8, 1987.
The Radewald family fruit and vegetable began in 1895, moving to the management of Stan (and his mother and brother) when he was 19 years old and his father died unexpectedly. They added a packinghouse and cold storage in 1965, and have added a fresh market, tomato processing and a U-Pick strawberry patch. At the retirement of Edwin Jr., Stan and his wife Barbara became the owners of Stanley Radewald Farms.
Stan was a lifelong member and served on the Council of Saint John's United Church of Christ, Niles, was a life member of the Michigan State Horticulture Society, and held various elected positions and directorships of Great Lakes Vegetable Growers Association, Saint Joseph River Soil Conservation District, Michigan State Experimental Farm (Sodus), Michigan Growers Association, Berrien County and Michigan Farm Bureau, Farm Bureau Oil Company of Eau Claire (Mich.) and of Jan Barb, Inc., and Silver Mill Frozen Foods, Inc.
He was a Berrien Township Constable, a member of the Berrien County Republican Party, a 30-year member of the B. P. O. of Saint Joseph Elks #541, and was well-known for his skills as a dowser - finding underground water using a divining rod.
He loved the outdoors, especially hunting and the fellowship of hunters. He also enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas, believing that similarities exist between gambling there and farming. He most enjoyed time spent with friends and family.
On Nov. 29, 1952, he was married to the former Barbara Meyer, with whom he recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of that marriage. In addition to his wife Barbara, he is survived by their daughter, Diane of Scottsdale, Ariz.; their son, Don (Jody) Radewald of Niles; grandchildren, Katherine and Tyler; and by his brother, Edwin (Virginia) Radewald Jr. of Niles.
A celebration of Stan's life in the form of a visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, in the Radewald Packing House, 11276 M-140, Niles.
A statement of faith in the form of memorial services for Stanley O. Radewald will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, in Saint John's United Church of Christ, Niles, with Rev. Sandi Nesbit, D. Min of the church officiating. The family is gathering earlier for committal services at the graveside in Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.
Contributions in memory of Stan may be made to the Dean Radewald memorial fund at Chemical Bank Shoreline or to the donor's choice.
Arrangements were made by the Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.
Submitted by family member; publication details unknown