Douglas Raddatz

Douglas Stewart Raddatz of Bellaire passed away on Friday, March 1, 2019 at Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility just a few weeks after celebrating his 83rd birthday.  Doug was born on February 16, 1936 in Detroit, MI to Gladys and Stewart Raddatz.  He attended Denby High School in Detroit and Wayne State University where he was connected to the Delta Chi fraternity whose members became life-long friends.  On March 6, 1965 he married Beth Trondson Raddatz and that union lasted just a few days shy of 54 years.  He was a great dad to a son Kirk and daughter Diana.

Doug’s life was full.  He worked for Lever Bros. Company out of the Detroit District for 35 years.  During that time he helped to raise two children, did all the finishing carpentry of a house in Farmington Hills, and was active in sports, coaching and booster clubs for his children’s endeavors.  Skiing was always a large part of Doug’s life.  He was on the National Ski Patrol for 25 years, patrolling at the former Walloon Hills, Michaywe and Brighton ski areas.  In 1980 Doug and Beth purchased a condo at Schuss Mt. in northern MI where they spent much leisure time.  Upon retirement in 1997, they built a year-round home in Summit village of Shanty Creek which was the place of many family gatherings.

In retirement Doug continued his life-long passion of skiing, both in northern Michigan and out west.  In the winter season he skied every day until he was 76 years old and was a charter member of the “5 Mountain Club” where he skied 5 and even 6 ski areas in one day with friends.  His love of cycling continued from his teen years through retirement.  As soon as the snow disappeared he could be seen riding his bicycle around the Bellaire/Torch Lake area.  He was also passionate about boating, first with a series of sailboats and then with a pontoon boat.  Doug was also an accomplished woodworker and left his family with many remembrances of his work.  He also loved traveling, watching sports and Shorts Bellaire Brown.

Doug is survived by his wife Beth, children: Kirk (Margaret) Raddatz of Clarkston, MI, Diana Raddatz of Traverse City, one grandson Evan, a sister Marilyn Hansen and nephews Bradley (Bowanne, Griffen and Alliy) and Gregory Hansen.

No service arrangements have been made at this time.  A Celebration of Doug’s life will be held later this spring.

Memorial contributions in Doug’s name may be made to Alzheimer’s Association of Greater MI, 25200 Telegraph Rd Ste 100, Southfield, MI 48033, alz.org/qmc note for Northern MI chapter, or to Glacial Hills Trails-Bellaire c/o Forest Home Township, PO BOX 317, Bellaire, MI 49615, glacialhillstrails.org.

Arrangements have been handled by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.