84 of Vadnais Heights, MN Earl Radi went to his Lord on March 28, 2013. He is survived by his wife Deanna of 58 years, brother Delmar and sister Arlene (Pete) Lubben; children Janice and son-in-law Gary Klinefelter, son John and wife Bonnie, son Jim and wife Tammy; 5 grandchildren Erin, Shannon, Eric, Matt, Cade; 3 great-grandchildren Aiden, Madison, and Emmalynn. Preceded in death by his parents Carrie (Eisfield)and Fred Radi, and Stepmother Carrie (Miller); sisters Dorothy (Dan) Quill, Lois (Odin)Olsen, and brothers Marvin and Ray Radi. Services to say goodbye to this gentle man, will occur at Arlington Hills United Methodist Church, 759 East Cty Rd B, Maplewood, MN. Visitation hours will be 4-8pm, April 2nd and one hour prior to his Memorial Celebration at 11am April 3rd. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to Arlington Hills Church. Earl entered this life in Lake Wilson, MN to parents Carrie (Eisfield) and Fred Radi. He was one of seven children raised on a farm. He enlisted in the Army at age 23 and served honorably for three years. In 1953 Earl met his wife Deanna Velthuizen. Family members have often heard the story of how "special" each felt for the other right from the start. They began their life together in St. Paul, MN raising a daughter Janice (Klinefelter), and two sons, John and Jim. Earl worked 18 years for Railway Express and 12 years for Boise Cascade. For 21 years he and Deanna also managed rental properties, and upon retirement, Earl helped Deanna every day with her day care center. Those daycare charges became as close to Earl as his own children and they still visit, at times bringing their own children. Earl's best friend was his Deanna. They worked well together through their 58 years of marriage. His favorite pastime, besides tinkering in the garage, was fishing - anywhere and anytime. He taught his children how to fish and they in turn taught their families. His love for all things fishing bore out in the decorations he always liked around him. In his later years, Earl enjoyed daily games of solitaire. This kept his mind sharp for Saturday card games with the family. A preparatory nap kept him alert to hold his own. While he was going strong, the younger players were yawning and thinking of bed. Good competition, stories and much laughter was a mainstay of the games. Neighbors stated they could mark the day of the week by the dining room lights still shining brightly so late into the night. Earl's family was his life. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were extremely special to him as he had time in his later years to truly enjoy them. Through all his years of hard work, all the struggles he and Deanna faced in raising their children, Earl was known to be a "gentle man." He will be greatly missed by his family, his daycare and friends who became extended family members, and all the people he touched in life through his sensitivity and caring. Earl was always ready for a kiss and a hug, and we know he received this upon entering heaven.