Elaine E. Radatz

Elaine Ernestine Radatz (nee Klusendorf) Age 82, passed away on December 13, 2018 in Clinton Township Elaine was raised in Port Huron by her loving Aunt Trudy Genaw, where she attended Trinity Lutheran School. In the summers, she joined her older brothers and worked on the family farm in Brown City. There were fun times too when her friends would meet up and ride their horses or go roller-skating. Upon graduating from Port Huron High School, she started a job as a secretary where she met the love of her life, Harold. Harold was on short leave from the Navy and had stopped in to chat with the owner, who was an old friend. A short time later, they were engaged to be married and the rest is history. Elaine worked with Harold for 30 years at the Chrysler National Parts Depot in Centerline. Upon retirement, Elaine and Harold moved to Philadelphia, Mississippi for the mild weather and to be near their best friends Pat and Mitch Tomaszewski. Their beautiful home was located on 5 acres in the country. They didn’t stay retired for long. They started a job with the Philadelphia Chrysler Dealership organizing parts and computerizing their inventory. They would also do long distance car deliveries. Speaking of long distance, they would just hop in their Chrysler minivan and do road trips back to Michigan - at least 3 times a year, trips to Colorado, Arizona, Las Vegas and California to see Ed’s family. And, trips to Texas to see her brother, John. Road trips were a major part of their lives. When the kids were growing up, they’d be bundled into the back seat of the Plymouth station wagon and head nonstop to California (48 hours to Colton, CA) or Kissimmee, Florida (18 hours). They would make it in record time because they had lead-foots. It was nothing new for them to bury the speedometer. They gave their children the opportunity to see a large portion of the country - in a blur. Like her engineer brothers, she was blessed with high intellect. Reading was her passion. She would finish a book in two days when she wasn’t working. Speaking of working, Elaine had great strength with a dash of German determination. She could complete physical tasks that most men would flinch at. Her sister-in-law Betty, who also worked at Chrysler, would say that Elaine would do the work of three people. For the last 11 years, Elaine has lived without her beloved husband Harold. Alzheimer’s disease had also taken hold and was robbing her of her memories of her family and the special times together. The family takes great comfort in knowing that she has been restored by the Lord and is dancing with Harold and those that have gone before her. Loving mother of Susan E. (David) Blanchard, Edward H. (Laurie) Radatz, and David M. (Lisa) Radatz. Proud grandmother of 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Dear sister of the late Russell Klusendorf, Bradford Klusendorf, John Klusendorf, and Leroy Klusendorf. Visitation at the Wm Sullivan and Son Funeral Home 8459 Hall Road (3 Blks E. of Van Dyke) Utica Sunday 2-7pm. In State Monday 10:30 am at Trinity Lutheran Church, 45160 Van Dyke Ave., Utica until time service at 11:00am

Elaine E. Radatz

May 10, 1936 - December 13, 2018