Charles Walter Radel, Jr.

Charles Walter Radel, Jr., 78, died Oct. 28, 2004, at the Evergreen Convalescent Center in Hot Springs, after a long battle with diabetes and cancer.

Walt was born on June 16, 1926, in Spokane. He attended Antelope School in Niarada, the Hog Heaven and Kalispell schools. He quit school early and lied about his age so he could join the U.S. Marines. He served from Nov. 14, 1944, to June 4, 1946, in the 4th Marine Division in WW II.

He served in the Hawaiian Islands, Eniwetok, the Marshall Islands, Saipan, Iwo Jima and Guam. Walt was honorably discharged as a Corporal. He was a member of the VFW in Hot Springs.

He married Ida Weingart in 1958. They lived in Elmo and had four children.

Throughout his life Walt did many things he was proud of including serving on the Elmo School Board for many years. He was also a member of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribal Council from 1962-1966. He was also added to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Veterans Warrior Society.

He worked at the Saw Mill for about five years and loved working in the woods until he retired. He moved to Hot Springs in 1989.

His hobbies were cooking, especially for his family. He loved playing cards, hunting and spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Walter Radel, Sr. and Victoria Radel, a niece, a nephew and a granddaughter.

He is survived by his sister, Dorothy Griffin of Polson; three sons and a daughter: Scott Radel and his wife Jenny of Colorado, Mike Radel and his wife Carrie of Colorado, Dean Radel and his wife Debbie of Louisiana, Heidi Radel of Polson; 11 grandchildren and six great- grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The family gave special thanks to Scottie Marcoe, Christene Tucker, Debbie King, Lydia Hewankorn, Barbara Hallick, Sadie Saloway, Beeb Ducharme, and Harlen and Tim Jensen, and the many nurses and doctors who helped him through the years and especially lately. Memorials are suggested to the Evergreen Convalescent Center in Hot Springs or to cancer research.

At Walt's request, no services will be held. Cremation has taken place and his ashes will be spread in Hog Heaven sometime in the spring and a memorial dinner will be held at that time. A notice will be announced for any family or friends who would wish to join us.

Arrangements were by Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory of Polson.