Melvin E. Raddatz

PORTAGE  --  Melvin E. Raddatz, age 69, of Lewiston Township, passed away at his family farm, surrounded by his loving wife of 36 years, his two daughters, his loving dog, Toby, and Papa’s little buddy, Chase, on Saturday, August 31, 2013

Melvin was born on October 2, 1943 in the Township of Lewiston, the son of Erich and Esther (Pieper) Raddatz.  He farmed the family farm his entire life.  He also worked with Roger Haun at Bud’s Pizza Inn and Roger’s Catering.  Melvin was married to Sharon Jones on January 15, 1977 at the Presbyterian Church in Oxford.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman;  and loved stock car racing – his favorite driver was Travis Kvapil.  Melvin was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Portage, and a lifetime member of the Portage Rod & Gun Club.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon;  his daughters, Erica (Adam) Zellmer, Pardeeville, and Amy (Paul) Wolff, Portage;  his grandson, Chase;  many other relatives and dear friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Shirley Johnson. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 6, 2013 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Portage, with the Rev. Alan Boeck officiating.  Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 5, 2013 at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the church.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Tim and Kathy Paddack.