"My son Andrew Burr was born on the same day and also died of a drug overdose 12/20/83-12/26/11 I am so sorry for your loss. Lynn Sorce www.andyburr.org "
In loving memory of
Spencer Radel
December 20, 1989 - October 6, 2016
Waunakee - Spencer Radel, age 26, left this world too soon on Thursday, October 6th, 2016. Spencer was born on December 20th, 1989 and grew up in Waunakee, enjoying football and track in high school. He was a good and caring son, brother and friend, always thinking of others. He had an infectious smile and was loved by many. After attending MATC, he worked in construction and was very proud of being the youngest crewman promoted to foreman. He had just started a new career at Wall-Tech as a carpenter.
Spencer told us that if his story could help one person, he wanted it told. He came to us in August and asked for help - he was addicted to heroin. He wanted to get clean and get his life back. He successfully completed a 30 day inpatient program and was living at home for a week. Despite his strong desire to live a sober life, he passed away from a heroin overdose at home. His last evening was spent talking with his parents on their front porch, looking forward to a new future, returning to work, talking about his love for his family. The perfect night. And then the unthinkable happened. We will never know or understand why. We can only honor Spencer by sharing this story so that others are aware of the danger and temptation of this horrific drug.
Spencer was loved and supported throughout his life and this final journey by his parents, Kevin and LaDonna Radel and his brother, Eric (Kelsey Schluter). He is also survived by his grandmother, Monica Radel; many aunts, uncles and cousins and his cat, Bonkers. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Victor and Martha Bindl and Duane Radel.
Private services will be held at the Winn-Cress funeral home in Waunakee.
To honor Spencer's memory, learn more about the dangers of heroin and other addictive drugs.
"Memories are sometimes the last thing you have to remember loved ones. Hold on tight to the ones you love, hold on stronger to your Never Forgotten Memories."
Spencer, we are proud of the tough battle that you fought for these past 7 weeks. Rest peacefully, our sweet child. You take a piece of our hearts with you forever. We love you.
Winn-Cress Funeral Home
5785 Hwy Q
Waunakee, WI 53597
608-849-4513
Tributes
"I don't know you or Spencer but used to live in Waunakee and currently have a 25 yr old grandson who is addicted to heroin. So this story really hits home for me. He has overdosed twice already so it is only a matter of time. He has been in treatment but continues to fall back to using. Not sure what to do. God Bless your family and Spencer and thank you for sharing his story. I will be sharing with my Peter. It can't hurt."
"Although I do not know you or your family, I do understand all to well what you are going through. I lost my daughter Haley to this horrible addiction on July 16, 2016. It is so hard to watch them go through this disease. She could do so well for a time and then not so well. It changes them in ways that can't be described. The obituary was beautifully and thoughtfully written. We also chose to share Haley's story hoping that it might reach even 1 person. I will hold you in prayer."
"We are saddened to hear of your loss. This tragedy is happening to too many families. Your well written obituary will help to bring to light the problems with heroin addiction. Having friends losing a son makes us more aware than ever. We wish you and your son comfort in your grieving. Brian & Gina"
"Oh LaDonna and Radel family, I am so very sorry for your loss of Spencer. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you. Glen, Diane, Elisa, and Paul Laubenstein "
"This breaks my heart to read. I do not know Spencer or his family. But we lost our son to heroin overdose in May. I pray for peace for your family. May you talk about heroin abuse in his legacy as we are out son. If we can save just 1 life, that is all that matters. Hugs! Jen"
"LaDonna & Family, I just learned of your son's passing today and I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your framed pictures of your children on your desk at Heritage, and I know how proud you were to be a mom. Please know that I will share with my kids your sons story, they will hear it, they will learn from it, and we will all keep you in our prayers. Our condolences and hearts go out to you, The DeSpirito's"
"Very sorry to hear about your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers."
"We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your wonderful son Spencer. We met Spencer and his dad Kevin at the yearly Deforest Freedom Run. My husband Brian and son Bradley would always run the same race with Spencer and his dad. We just can't come to grips that this great athlete and all around nice kid is gone! Please accept our deepest sympathy. We are sorry that such a nice family is suffering.
With prayers,
Brian and Jody McBride Family"
"You will all be in my prayers. Spencer was a wonderful young man and he left too soon. I pray that you can see his presence in the sunsets and feel him watching over you. Spencer's spirit will continue to live on."
"Family of Spencer-so sorry for your loss. He was a young man full of potential, I am sorry he will not be able to obtain his full-potential. He tried and soo did you all. Blessings to you all and strength to you at this tragic time. "
"I am so sorry for your loss. On Oct 16th it will be five years since I lost my 20 yr old daughter to heroin. We will never know why. The addiction is so strong. It's a horrible drug. Bless you during this very difficult time. "
"I am heartbroken. Thank you for your open and honest approach to the loss of Spencer. I am hoping it will help other young person avoid this terrible drugs. All of you are in our prayers and let us know if there is anything we can do to help during this difficult time."
"We are keeping your son and your family in our prayers. "
"I am so sorry for your loss. It is so very sad that our young kids fall into that drug and how your Spencer wanted to have you let kids know how terrible that drug is and it can happen to anyone. You and your family are in my prayers."
"Prayers to you all! We also lost our son Michael on 1\11\16 to heroin, he was o my 25. My heart breaks for all going through this terrible disease!!! Prayers!"
"So very, very sorry for your loss! Another taken to soon, I lost my son Jesse to this same horrible disease July 25th, of this year and that his loss to heroin was in his obituary as well, he joined his twin brother Tony who passed in Sept. of 2005 of an accidental Methadone overdose. Thank you for honoring Spencer, as this disease needs to be told. For it is not shameful . Addiction is real. Again so, so sorry. Flooding the heavens with prayers for Spencers family."
"NEVER met U,this drug has taken away so many of my daughter's friends ,but I am so glad it didn't take hers, she is in recovery. Her daughter saved her live. She got pregnant. That little girl is her life now. U R IN MY PRAYERS "
"So sorry for your loss, this is a bad drug, my daughter was addicted to for a very long time, and We had no help, thank God she is still with us, cause she had a daughter. That I really think opened her eyes. Again sorry for your loss."
"You don't know me, however my sincere condolences to you and all those that loved Spencer. I too lost my son at the age of 26 on Nov. 2015. He struggled with addiction for some time and we did everything in our power to help. My only comfort is knowing my son, Cole, is no longer struggling and is at peace. He didn't like himself anymore, but the addiction had a grip on him. I hope you find strength in God and others and know you are not alone!!!"
"We are so very sorry to learn of Spencer's passing. We had the opportunity to meet and spend some time with Spencer while visiting our son Andy at Hope Haven. We shared laughs and tossed the football. It was easy to see why our son Andy and Spencer became fast friends. I will cherish the hug Spencer offered me as we said goodbye that night. I told him that we were praying for him and that he is loved by his family and friends. This terrible crisis of heroine is taking to many bright lights. That is certainly true with Spencer. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Our family is here to help in any way we can. We pray for strength during the very difficult time. May God hold you in his loving arms Spencer. God bless Al, Peggy Olmstead"
"I did not know Spencer but admire his courage and your loving tribute. My deepest sympathies to his parents and all who loved him. I do believe your honesty in this obituary will touch many and help others."
"I'm so very sorry about the loss of your beloved son. I admire you for your honesty about his addiction. My son is also battling this same heroin demon. Prayers for you all. "
"You were such a great loyal friend and I'm so glad I got to meet you. My prayers are out to your family and friends. Will really miss you bud."
"My poor friend. You are gone so fast. It feels so strange that you are gone. I remember all the fun parties we shared with together. I've been seeing your pictures pop up recently and was thinking about you before I found out. Love and prayers to you and your family. You will never be forgotten."
"I'm so sorry for your loss. My Son passed a couple of weeks ago from an overdose. I know no words that can help except, We are praying for the family, and time hopefully will soften the blow.. Don Aiken"
"I am so sorry for your loss. The disease if addiction is so difficult to understand. Your bravery and honesty are to be commended. Know that you are not alone and, may you find moments of peace and you remember his life."
"I am the Director of Connections Counseling and I am sending Spencer's family much respect and blessings for sharing your truth in honor of your son and the lives you will touch by speaking so openly. We have a Foundation, Recovery Foundation at recoveryfoundation.net I would like to set up a scholarship fund in honor of Spencer and will begin the donation process. This will support those in need of treatment that do not have the financial means. Sending blessings, Shelly Dutch"
"Rest peacefully, dear Spencer. Thinking of you, LaDonna and Kevin and sending many prayers and good thoughts up for all of you."
"My prayers are with you and your family."
"My thought and prayers are with you and hoping you can find peace in knowing Spencer is no longer in pain, my son is also an addict and has been fighting his addiction for 15 years on and off so I understand your pain
"