Charles E. Radecke

DELMAR- - Charles E. Radecke, 94, of Delmar, died Saturday, September 10, 2011 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. Charles was born to the late John and Lydia Radecke of Brooklyn, New York on May 31, 1917. His mother and four siblings moved to Wicomico County in 1928 following the death of his father. After working on the family farm during his early years, Charles served in the Civilian Public Service during World War II. Following the war, he returned to the family farm in Riverton. After several years, he became a mechanic at Alban Tractor, Inc., where he was employed from 1954 until his retirement in 1979. Charles lived in Delmar from 1960 until his death, contributing to his community as an active member of the First Baptist Church of Delmar and as a volunteer at Harvest Ministries. He enjoyed helping others and always looked for ways to be of service to those in need. He is survived by his step-grandchildren, Ronald Peterman (Sharon) of Salisbury, Connie Raynor of Hebron, Larry Dale Denston (Barbara) of Philadelphia, Wayne Denston (Deborah) of Wapwallopen, PA, Willa Shadle of Westlawn, PA, Frieda Mensth (Tom) of Reading, PA, Karen Williamson (Joe) of Mardela Springs, Leona Akins of Altoona, FL and Linda Brown-Ogborn of Titusville, FL; step-great grandchildren, Pete Peterman (Sherry) of Hebron, Gayle Schneider (Matt) of Sharptown, Michelle Raynor of Hebron, Darrin Boog (Melissa) of Salisbury, Heather Jarvis of Mardela Springs; nephews, Paul Radecke (Carole) of Myrtle Beach, SC, David Radecke (Risa) of Cambridge, OH, and Harold Lynch (Jean) of Scranton, PA; nieces-in-law, Ethel Madeira (Harold) of Reading, PA and Irene Blatt of Coopersburg, PA. In addition, he is survived by several great step- grandchildren, great nieces and nephews. Charles was preceded in death by his first wife, Carrie Rapp Radecke; his second wife, Mary Elizabeth Davis Radecke; brother, John Radecke; sisters, Evangeline Radecke, Lydia Radecke and Ruth Lynch; step-daughters, Anna Peterman, Carol Brown, Fern Conrad and Francis Denston (Harvey); nieces, Ruthie Gabel, Alice Lynch and Laura Gellner; nephew, Dan Lynch; step grandsons, Thurman Peterman, Jr., Bill Conrad (Gloria), and Alan Conrad; and step-granddaughters, Lois McIntyre, Joyce Keehn and Joy Armstrong. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Mardela Memorial Cemetery. Pastor Lee Hughart will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Harvest Ministries 305 Bi-State Blvd, Delmar, DE 19940 or First Baptist Church of Delmar, P.O. Box 200, Delmar, DE 19940. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar.

Charles E. Radecke

May 31, 1917 - September 10, 2011