"Dear Dad, During the years I was growing up, I didn't see or realize that you were the parent that raised me, gave me high standards and moral values that will last my life time. I can not find words strong enough to tell you how much I love and respect you. I haven't thanked you enough for teaching me to be an honest person or told you how much I appreciate all that you have done for me, nor have I said "I Love You" with words instead of my actions. Growing up with you has been the best years of my life. My children and grandchildren are the best part of the rest of my life. Whether or not I have told you or that you already know, I want to say that you have been with me every step of the way, guiding me and also comforting me, because you are my hero and my Dad. I love you. I respect you. I thank you. I say these words with unconditional love - the kind of love you taught me."
In loving memory of
Charles Radford
January 21, 2010
Charles Franklin Radford, one of seven children of Winnie (McDole) Radford and George Alva Radford, was born February 7, 1923 in Glenwood, Iowa. He was a lifelong resident of Glenwood where he attended school and graduated with the class of 1940. While attending high school, at the age of 16 Charles joined the National Guard, where during the Depression, he earned $4.00 a month. He left the Guard in August of 1940. After graduation, he joined the N.Y.A., where he helped build the stone shelters and the entrance gate at the Glenwood Lake Park. Then in February of 1941, Charles rejoined the National Guard with a rank of sergeant. The Glenwood Guard Unit had been activated to join the war effort. He went overseas and served in Ireland, North Africa, and Italy as a soldier in the Red Bull 34th Infantry Division. As a platoon leader, he fought until a war injury took him out of full service. Following his recovery, he went on restricted service, working in an Officer's Club in Naples, Italy. He was decorated with two Bronze Stars and received two Purple Hearts.
Charles returned home from the service in 1944. He held various jobs including working in an office at the Glenwood State School for a brief time and for Northern Natural Gas laying pipeline in Wisconsin, Arkansas and Joliet, Illinois. He then began working for the National Guard as a Supply Sergeant in an office of the old Armory in Glenwood and took over the management and custodial duties of it as well.
In May of 1959, he purchased the Lugsch Dry Cleaners and Laundry. Charles later expanded his business and built a large facility on the corner of Walnut and Nuckolls. He bought Rager's Laundry and consolidated the business under the name of LeMode Cleaners. In 1974, he sold the business to the Unitog Company of Kansas City.
Having served on the board for the Mills County Savings and Loan, Charles later took over the position of President and Chief Loan Officer. In April 1980, he started the Pizza Hut in Hamburg, Iowa, which he owned and operated until his retirement in 2000.
Charles kept active as a member of the Glenwood Rotary Club, where he was a past president, a member of the Lion's Club, a member of the Glenwood Volunteer Fire Department, elected to the Glenwood School Board and as a commander of the Harvey T. Rimel Post #141. In 2001, he had the honor of serving as National President of the 34th Inf. Div. Association. He enjoyed watching sports, playing cards, camping, and traveling. Charles was an avid reader with an extensive collection of books on WWII. He loved spending time with his family and friends.
Charles died at the Nebraska Medical Center Hospital on January 21, 2010 at the age of 86 years, 11 months, and 14 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Harold Radford and infant brother, Duane Radford; and son Christopher Bichel.
Charles is survived by his wife of 33 years, Kathie; children, Gerry Harper and husband Tom, Jo Brown and husband Phil, all of Glenwood, Deb Bussey and husband Steve of Lincoln, NE, Kelly Rasmussen and husband Dave of Council Bluffs, IA, and daughter-in-law Mona Bichel of Ames, IA; sisters, Freda Breeling of Lincoln, NE, Betty Sell and husband Ed of Malvern, IA, and Wanda Prien of Minden, NE; brother Rodney Radford, and sister-in-law Mary Lois Radford, both of Glenwood; 9 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandson; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.
Memorials suggested to the First Christian Church of Council Bluffs Building Campaign or Iowa Gold Star Military Museum in Johnston, Iowa.
Burial in the Glenwood Cemetery.
Tributes
"It's been almost 7 months. This is the time of year I expect to see you outside cutting your grass... It's still hard to believe you are gone."
"Grandpa, It's still hard to believe that you left us 3 months ago. You will never know how much you are missed. Stef"
"Dear Kathy and family, We send our sincere sympathy to Kathie and family. Thinking of you and hoping you find peace in the wonderful memories of Charlie's life. Sincerely, Jim and Monica Hughes"
" Gerry and Tom, Loosing a loved one is always difficult, I pray that your pain and suffering will soon be replaced with the happy memories of the time you spent with Charlie and that those memories give you comfort. Take care and God bless! My deepest sympathies, Tanya"
"Kathie-Very sorry to hear about Charlie.The memories he left me will never be lost. He could always bring a smile to your face no matter how bad of a day you were havin. He will be greatly missed by anyone that knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Amy Sue"
"Charlie - you were such a wonderful person to be around...my daddy loved you very much you were a good man with a beautiful smile. I remember when you lived in the old armory, Gerry & I were sliding on the shiny wooden floors in our socks & PJs you would come out & say "you girls better get to bed" very good fond memories - you will be sorely missed by us all - but do know you will be taking care of us from a better pain free place. God Bless you Charlie and your family hugs, Gloria (Parks) Davis"
"Kathie and extended family - Our condolences to you from Laurie and I on Charlie's passing. I just can't imagine the scene when Charlie and Chris were able to be reunited again - what an event that must have been. They probably already have a game of cards going. I will always have fond memories of coming 'home' with Chris and enjoying a mistake pizza with you and Charlie at your house on the hill. Charlie was great and Heaven just got a little bit better when he showed up. I just hope all the other angels were ready for him. Take care and God Bless. Laurie and Chris."
"Deb and family, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad; I always enjoyed his sense of humor and how he would tease me when I was at your house. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Rachelle Williams "
"To the Radford and Harper families, I am so sorry for your loss. Todd, you sure look a lot like your grandfather!! Sounds like he was a wonderful man. My thoughts are with you."
"Wow, I know where Todd got his good looks from! Charlie had a great sense of humor and a warm personality that just naturally made you like him. He was a good man, and if I remember right, kind of naughty. That must be where his daughters got it from!"
"Kathie and family, We are sorry to hear of the passing of Charlie. We will always remember Charlie as such a wonderful,outgoing, friendly compassionate man. He made such a lasting impression on all those young people who worked with him at the Hamburg Pizza Hut. Our hearts go out to you in your loss. Dan and Kathy Boatman"
"To my other family! I know the pain you are feeling know I feel it too. Charlie was a wonderful man and will be missed much! Remember I am always hear for you all, you are in my heart forever. Much Love, Sheila"
"Kathie, I am so sorry to hear about Charlie. I have many fond memories of working with him at Pizza Hut and when I think of him, it brings a smile to my face. He was such a good man. Please know that you are in my prayers. "
"To all of the family...Charlie was a great guy! One fun memory I have is when I worked as a car-hop at the A&W when I was in high school...I waited on him & he knew I was struggling to count back his change...I never did like Math!! So he took the time to show me an easy way & had that silly grin on his face the whole time. Later in life, I got to know him a little better at the church we attended...he always had a smile for you...he will be missed by all who knew & loved him!"
"To All the Family: At times like this it is difficult to smile. But, remembering the fun times, the near and dear times and the wonderful moments spent with Charlie shold bring some comfort. Celebrate his long and fulfilling life."
"Gerry- My deepest sympothies. I lost the only man I trusted a few years ago and still miss him terribly. I know he is watching over keeping me safe even if I can't see him. If there's anything at all I can do - please don't hesitate. Burneice"
"Kathie-I am so sorry to hear the news of Charlie's passing. He was such a great man and he made me laugh everytime I worked with him. Many of my fondest memories are of the Pizza Hut working side by side him. He sure did like a clean pan!! Please know that I am thinking of Charlie and keeping you in my prayers. Tammi "
"Gerry & Family, As you know I worked most of my younger years for Charlie & I've got to say that he was one of the good guys & I have a lot of good memories of the times we spent together over the years!! May god bless & help you through your time of sorrow.. Larry G."
"Stef, Deb, & all the Radford family. So sorry to hear of your loss. Cherish those memories,now you have a guardian angel looking down at you. Remeber, God only takes the best. "
"I'm so sorry for your loss, it's so hard when a parent dies. I loved it hen he came into Pizza Hut, he always had a kind word for everyone! We will all miss him at Pizza Hut My thoughts & prayers are with you."
"Grandpa, If only I had five minutes the day you passed away; I would have time to tell you all the things I needed to say. I never got to tell you how much you mean to me or that you were the best Grandpa that any man could ever be. If only I had five minutes , the morning you passed away, I'd give you one last hug so tight and see your great big smile. I'd kiss your cheek and take your hand and tell you it's okay to go and tell you I miss you more than you'll ever know. But you were gone so quickly and before I knew it you were standing at Heaven's gate. Now God has called upon you and a walk with the angels is what you will take. "
"Kathie--So sorry to hear about Charlie. You have had so much to endure over the past year. But you know he is at peace now. They are having a family reunion up in heaven now. May God bless you and help you through. Love ya--Bill and Gail"
"To all of Charlie's Family.....So very sorry for your loss.....Charlie was a wonderful man and each of us, that has had the privilege to have been in his life, hold many fond and loving memories of him."
"GERRY & TOM- We know how much you loved your dad and were dreading his ongoing pain. He is finally free from it! Your memories will be a source of comfort to you,your family, and friends. We Love you both, our dear friends!!"
"To All The Family: Charlie was such a Great Pleasant, Fun-Loving Man. Always a pleasure to be around as he always greeted you with a sincere smile. His life had many battles, but he kept smiling. Kathie, you're time together was rewarding and fullfilling in caring companionship. It's never easy to say Good-Bye, but he had a full life of family and fun. God Bless."
"Kathie, I am so sorry to hear of Charlie's passing. What a terific man! I have so many good memories of the both of you, starting from when I was a small child coming to Pizza Hut with my grandparents all of the way through when I worked for you. You both are amazing people and I am honored to have known and called Charlie friend. Again, I am sorry for your loss. "
"Uncle Charlie will be missed by all of his family and friends. He was one of a kind and such an inspiration to all who knew and loved him- Throughout the years he has given us so many great memories, playing cards, the stories of growing up in flat iron, picking on poor Uncle Rodney, and finally telling us a little about World War II. He truly was the Greatest Generation."
"Kathleen, I am so sorry to learn of your loss. What a difficult time the last months have been for you. Charlie was a good and generous man who will be missed. My deepest condolences"
"Kathie, I was so sorry to hear of Charlie's death. He was such a great man whom I admired so much. I remember always especially liking when I was on the same schedule as him at Pizza Hut and still think he made the best pizza ever. He was truly a wonderful man whom I will never forget. He made an everlasting impression in my life. May God comfort you in this difficult time."
"RIP Grandpa. You're going to be missed."
"Kathie -- we are so sorry to hear about Charlie's passing, but we know he is free from pain at last. I imagine Charlie and Chris are having a good ol' time up in heaven!! Look out, angels! Martin had planned to visit Charlie Friday, and is sad that he will not have the opportunity to say good bye in person. Justin will greatly miss his good buddie Charlie. Please know that Charlie made a difference in our lives -- and in the lives of many others! Martin and Nancy Wright"
"Kathie- I am so sorry to hear about Charlie. I think of the year I worked for both of you and some of the things he would say or do still make me laugh! He was a good man and I have many good memories because of him! "