Karl J. Radzins

Karl J. Radzins, age 70 of Appleton, passed away on May 12, 2022 from a rare brain disease called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.  Karl was born as a first generation American in Lincoln, Nebraska on May 30, 1951, son of the late Nikolajs and Elfrida (Ceska) Radzins.  

Karl graduated from Riverside High School on the east side of Milwaukee in 1969 where he loved to play football and made lifelong friends. Karl graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from UW-Milwaukee in 1973.

His degree led him to be an Executive Regional Sales Manager in the Integrated Bar Coding Systems Industry. 

Karl loved being outdoors, whether it was golfing, playing tennis or having a cocktail on the deck. He was also of all things sweet, chocolate, cookies, cake, you name it. As well as an avid Packer fan.

Karl met his wife Denise at the age of 18, at UW-Oshkosh on January 30, 1970. She was in awe of his blue eyes and determination to charm her. They married on October 4, 1975. In their younger years they loved to camp, hike and travel together (sometimes by hitching a ride). They raised three beautiful daughters together (Dory, Danica and Emily). As the only man in the house, and raising three girls, he got his own male companion Cody, his beloved mutt. Karl and Denise celebrated 52 years together. A true testament of time and love.

His girls' fondest memories with Karl were the endless amounts of camping trips; roasting marshmallows, swimming in lakes, and making memories that will last. All of his girls have kept this tradition strong with their own families. He was a supportive and protective father. His girls loved his goofy sayings that only they can understand and will forever hold in their hearts.  He made sure to have special and individual relationships with each of his girls. He was blessed to spend time playing with his three grandsons (he finally got his boys).

Karl and Denise retired down to the low country of South Carolina. Where they enjoyed walking the beaches of Hilton Head, riding their bikes, getting plenty of sun (he always loved a good sun tan) and eating a great southern meal. They met many friends and loved to play Barbu. They loved exploring Low Country Historical sites and volunteering for Bluffton Self Help.

Karl is survived by his wife: Denise Radzins of Appleton; three daughters: Dory (Nicholas) Pryor, Danica Hess, and Emily (Eric) Eastman; grandchildren Desmond and Archer (Hess) and Oscar (Eastman) a sister: Inara (Marts) Meisters; as well as 11 Brother In-Laws and Sister In-laws, and 45 nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of life will be held will be held on Sunday, May 29th, 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm at Bavarian Bierhaus, located at 700 W. Lexington Blvd. in Glendale, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers;Donations can be made to either CurePSP at 1216 Broadway, 2nd floor, New York, NY 1001 or https://gofund.me/6d84aa68

Thank you to his home caregivers in South Carolina (Jill, Kimmie, Heather, Michael, Arnold and Julia).And a thank you to Oakridge Gardens Nursing Staff for their 7 months of care and support in Wisconsin. As well as Moments Hospice in his last few weeks.