Submitted by: Nadine A. Hardin

Name:  Radics, Michael D.

Names in Obituary:  Aldridge, Comer, Cripe, Grabowski, Kuzan, LeBrone, Novagaradec, Radics, Sarka, Shirk

South Bend Tribune, Obituary; December 19, 2004

Michael D. Radics (May 28, 1917 -- Dec. 17, 2004)

Michael D. "Pappy" Radics, 87, of Hendricks Street, Mishawaka, passed away in his home with his wife by his side on Dec. 17.

Michael was born on May 28, 1917, in South Bend, to Michael and Katie (Novagaradec) Radics. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Teresa; and a brother, Joe.

On Feb. 28, 1976, in South Bend, he married the former Ruth Comer-Cripe, who survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Michele Shirk of Woodstock, GA; two stepdaughters, Toni Aldridge and Toby Lebrone, both of Mishawaka; two grandsons, seven step-grandchildren and nine step-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Ann Sarka of South Bend, Helen (Floyd) Kuzan of Mishawaka and Catherine Grabowski of Mishawaka; and a brother, Frank (Jeanette) Radics of Sun City, AZ.

Michael was a Veteran of Foreign Wars, a member of Teamsters Local 364 and a member of American Legion 161. He was a well-known area musician and Mishawaka businessman. Michael was a retired truck driver, which he did for 35 years, and he was owner/operator of 5th Wheel Bar in Mishawaka from 1974 to 1980. He played with Johnny & Rubbie, the Fly Rod Players for 17 years at Kubiacs, Melvin Swan and the Swing Masters, 3 Hits and a Miss, Cheyenne and the Country Boys, Gordy & Tim Smith (Dance Lads), and his last performance was with Gordy Smith for a Christmas program in December 2003 at the age of 86. Michael loved his dogs, Penny, Lady and Heidi. He was a well-known musician and liked by all. He was always up to playing benefits for places like Healthwin Specialized Care and other nursing homes. In his "Hay Day" he played with "Cowboy Copas" in Dowagiac Theater and Buck Lake Ranch, he played in the backup band for Audrey Williams (Hank Williams' wife) and front band at Northside Gym in Elkhart for Brenda Lee.

There will be no visitation or services. Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka, has been entrusted with handling the arrangements.

It was Michael's wish that contributions be made to Hospice of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637; to Pet Refuge Inc., 2300 W. 6th Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544; or to the Humane Society of St. Joseph County, Indiana, Inc., 2506 Grape Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

Name: Radics, Michael

Names mentioned:  Aldridge, Grabowski, Kuzan, LeBrone, Radics, Sarka, Shirk

SBT, Dec 18, 2004 Death notice: Michael Radics

May 28, 1917 -- Dec. 17, 2004

MISHAWAKA -- Michael Radics, 87, of Hendricks Street, died Friday in his home. Survivors include his wife, Ruth; a daughter, Michele Shirk of Woodstock, Ga.; two stepdaughters, Toni Aldridge and Toby LeBrone, both of Mishawaka; three sisters, Ann Sarka of South Bend, and Helen Kuzan and Catherine Grabowski, both of Mishawaka; and a brother, Frank of Sun City, Ariz. There will be no services or visitation. Hahn Funeral Home is handling arrangements.