CARDINGTON — The village lost a true friend last week with the passing of Loren E. Radel.
A former Cardington Township Trustee, Loren was perhaps best known around town lately as Santa Claus at Christmas in Cardington, a Facebook post said.
“In 2020 when we had to dramatically change the event, Loren agreed to ride around town in the cold on a golf cart for hours so all the kids still got to see Santa that year. We sure will miss his sense of humor and big heart. Rest In Peace, friend,” Friends of Cardington wrote.
Radel, 68, of Cardington, passed away at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus on Wednesday, June 1. He graduated from Cardington High School in the Class of 1971.
In high school study hall, Loren met his future bride, Tina Marie Thomas. They were married on July 19, 1975, at St. John Lutheran Church (Windfall).
Radel was a grain farmer and worked on the family farms throughout his life. He belonged to the Cardington Vo-Ag Farm Association. He also worked in maintenance at Cardington Yutaka Technologies, from where he retired in 2021.
Cheri Harrod recalled Radel. “Worked with Loren, good man, he will be missed. My condolences to his family.”
He was a huge Ohio State Buckeyes fan and loved being with his family and going on trips with them.
Loren enjoyed going to flea markets and eating ice cream. He collected toy tractors and loved riding his Harley with his son, Jeremy.
Calling hours are from 2 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 12, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 336 W. Main St., Cardington. Services to honor and celebrate his life will take place there at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 13, with Pastor Steve Dennis officiating. Burial will follow in Glendale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Loren’s family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Cardington Community Food Pantry, 300 S. Marion St., Cardington, OH 43315.
Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead are honored to serve Loren’s family. Special memories or condolences may be shared by visiting SnyderFuneralHomes.com.