Mary T. Raduechel

Where does one even begin to put into words the life of our loving mother, cherished grandmother, and devoted wife of 50 years? Growing up on the family farm in the Town of Corning as one of nine children, our mother learned early what it meant to love, share, and look after others.

Her life of compassion began in those childhood days, nurtured by the wide fields of home and her beloved horse, named Bob. Even then, her gentle spirit shone through. She had a soft and kind soul, one that seemed to understand people and animals alike, and she carried that gift with her throughout her entire life.

She met the love of her life, Arlen, at a wedding dance in April of 1972, a chance encounter that blossomed into a lifelong partnership built on devotion, laughter, and unwavering loyalty. From that night forward, the two of them shared not only a deep love, but a commitment to facing every joy and every challenge hand in hand.

They were married on August 9th,1973, beginning a life together rooted in love and steady devotion. In December of 1976, they welcomed their son, Aaron, a moment that filled her heart in ways only a mother can understand. The following spring, in 1977, they moved into the home where countless memories would be made—walls that would hear laughter, witness milestones, and shelter a lifetime of family. In April of 1979, she was blessed with her daughter, Loralee, completing the family that meant everything to her.

Over the years, they continued to make that house a home—remodeling, reshaping, and nurturing it just as she nurtured her family. Her flower and vegetable gardens became her pride and joy, blooming under her careful hands. With every season, those gardens stood as a reflection of her spirit: patient, vibrant, and full of quiet beauty.

Not only was she a devoted wife and a loving mother, but she was also a proud grandmother to six beautiful grandchildren: Wyatt, Mackenzie, Carter, Miranda, Emma, and Grace. Her grandchildren were the pride of her life—her greatest joy and her brightest blessing. She loved cheering from the sidelines at Wyatt’s football games, watching Mackenzie shine at dance competitions, and spending time simply hanging out with Carter. She was always there for Miranda and Gracie’s basketball games and celebrated every one of Emma’s soccer matches.

She treasured listening to their stories, gardening with the grand girls, shopping for little surprises, and baking cookies together, filling her home with sweet smells and even sweeter memories. To her, these grandchildren were her shining stars, each one lighting up her world in a way only they could.

Even though cancer has taken her from us far too early, it will never diminish the love she gave or the lives she touched. Her legacy lives on in the stories we share, the lessons she taught, and the quiet strength she instilled in all of us. The memories she created—both big and small—will continue to light our days.

She will be greatly missed, but her love will always remain. It will carry on in her children, her grandchildren, and everyone blessed enough to have known her. Her presence may no longer be here, but her spirit will forever guide us.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Margaret Laak; her brothers Joe Laak of Burnet, Texas, and Roy Laak of Merrill; and her sisters Vivian (Lawrence) Sczygelski of Merrill and Patty Thorne of Reedsville, Wisconsin.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Arlen Raduechel of Merrill; her brothers Robert Laak of Merrill, Jerry (Debbie) Laak of Merrill, Dan (Jo) Laak of Coconut Creek, Florida; and her sister Sue Laak of Merrill. She is also survived by her two children, Aaron Raduechel of Merrill and Loralee (Jeremy) Geier of Weston.

Mary’s greatest joy was her family, especially her six beautiful grandchildren: Wyatt and Mackenzie Geier, and Carter, Miranda, Emma, and Grace Raduechel. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

A Visitation for Mary will be held on December 2, 2025, at 4:30PM and the Memorial service will follow at 6:30PM at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, 301 Eagle Dr., Merrill, WI 54452.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.