Obituary of Nathan Victor Radichel

Nathan Victor Radichel, 79, of Rainier, Washington, passed away at his home on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.

 

He spent his last days visiting with many beloved family members and friends and to each he had one message: For it is by grace I am saved.  Nate died confident of the heavenly home that awaited him only because of a forgiving, loving Savior, and now he is home and truly at peace.

 

Nathan was born on April 10, 1944, in New London, Wisconsin, to Edgar and Olga (Boettcher) Radichel.  He attended Bethlehem Lutheran Grade School in Hortonville, Wisconsin, and graduated from Luther High School in Onalaska, Wisconsin. 

 

In 1966, Nathan married Lollie, whom he met at Woodside Ranch where they both worked as a summer job.  The two shared dreams, grew in their faith together, and worked side by side for 56 years of marriage.

 

In 1966, just after the wedding, and during the Vietnam Era, Nathan joined the United States Air Force as a hydraulic specialist, working on the C141 Starlifter. He was stationed at McChord Air Force Base in Washington State.  In 1969, he went to Vietnam as an English Language Instructor and he left the service in 1970 as a Staff Sergeant.

 

In 1972, Nathan graduated from the University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse with a Bachelor of Education Degree.   He and Lollie headed back for their second grand adventure to Washington State, and they loved it so much they never left.

 

After teaching in the Bethel public school district in Roy, Washington, for 12 years, Nathan's home congregation, Our Redeemer Lutheran, called him to be the principal and 4-8th grade teacher, and coach of everything.  These years were some of the best of his life and, during this time, he made many long-lasting connections with students, many of whom he has remained in contact with.  His daughter, Jennifer, was one of his students for four years.  

 

After battling Lymphoma Cancer from 1990 to 1993, Nathan returned to teaching at both Parkland Lutheran School and Lakewood Lutheran School before retiring in 2005.

 

Christian Education was one of Nathan's greatest life-long projects.  His love for his Savior and his students drove him to be an advocate of Christian Schools all around the Pacific Northwest.  He and Lollie were founding members and Nate's own hammer helped to build Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and School in Yelm, Washington.  He joined the board for Evergreen Lutheran High School in 1977.  The purchase of a permanent campus for this school in Tacoma was a joy for him to be able to witness in his lifetime. 

 

Nathan and Lollie have been members at Messiah Lutheran Church in Lacey, Washington, and if the Lord had granted him one last project, he would have loved to see a school built at his home church as well.

 

Though Lollie may have thought she married a cowboy, she didn't, but she did marry someone who would dream with her.  Together they spent the last 35 years of their marriage developing Fillman Road Farm and Nursery, featuring horses, a few cows, a koi pond, dogs, a rhododendron nursery, and a tree house for their grandkids. Nathan spent his last days in the home that they built together.

 

Nathan is survived by his wife, Loral; his daughters, Teri Groves (Hank) of Savannah, Georgia, Jennifer (Eric) Rodmyre of Federal Way, Washington; grandchildren, Lucas, Samuel, Kaitlyn, Levi and Hannah; a sister, Rhoda (Don, deceased) Krueger of Mauston, Wisconsin; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son; and brother, Dennis (Marion). 

 

A memorial service will be held Sunday, May 21, 2023, 4:00 p.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2733 Marvin R. SE, Lacey, WA 98503.  In lieu of flowers, please direct all memorials to Messiah Lutheran Church or Evergreen Lutheran High School. 

 

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