Father's Community Vision Generates Children's Legacy Gift

William Radichel was a man of vision. He made things happen in his lifetime, and wanted to keep good things happening after he was gone-by leaving a legacy through his children.

The William D. Radichel Foundation was set up by Darlene and William Radichel to support the charitable efforts of their children, to facilitate and spread the joy of giving within future generations, and to give back to the Mankato community which had given so much to them. Their Foundation seeks to support worthwhile causes in the Mankato area, as well as charitable interest in the communities where their children live.

Two daughters and a son serve as directors to the organization. Together, they decide how to honor the lives of their parents by helping others. Christina Radichel Caulkins, Brenda Radichel Quaye and Brad Radichel recently decided to support good things happening at Immanuel St. Joseph's-Mayo Health System. Their excitement to play a roll in the hospital's expansion project led to a $500,000 pledge from the William Radichel Foundation to fund the lobby of the new heart center.

"It was a fairly easy decision for us to get involved in this project," says Brad. "Our parents were involved in the Mankato community, and supported countless projects. Now it's our turn to do something for future generations."

"We wanted to give something meaningful to the community of Mankato ," Brenda shares. "Over the years, many of our family's friends have worked at, volunteered for and in some way supported the ISJ community. Personally, I think giving to the new heart center is a great way to have a long-term, positive impact on the community our parents helped support. We are excited about the new facility, and are sure our mother and father would be proud of our stewardship."

Christina recalls that her parents thought highly of the Mankato community. Part of their vision was to do philanthropic work through a foundation. "This gift continues their contribution to the health and lifestyle of the people here, and we think they would be thrilled to support this project," She says. "We are delighted to continue their legacy and play a role in the expansion of cardiology services in Mankato ."

The recent pledge to the hospital is the Radichel's largest gift so far, creating a heritage of care as one generation lives through the next. The name of the lobby of Immanuel St. Joseph's new heart center will pay tribute to the lives of William and Darlene Radichel.

Immanuel St. Joseph's President and CEO, William C. Rupp, M.D., says that gifts from people like the Radichels help make it possible to provide state-of-the-art facilities and technology to ISJ patients.

"We are extremely grateful for the Radichel family's legacy of generosity, vision and community leadership," he says.

William and Darlene were hard working people who loved Mankato as their home, and supported their community in many ways. Darlene had a talent for nurturing. She was good at taking care of people, and volunteered as an avid supporter of the hospital. William was a heart patient at ISJ on more than one occasion.

William Radichel worked with his brother Paul as owners and chief executives of Condux Corporation, a diversified Mankato concrete pipe and building materials company. Founded in 1888 by their grandfather, the brothers built the business from a four-plant operation to a 19-company conglomerate. Venstar and Condux International are now owned and operated by Christina, Brenda and Brad, respectively.

"Our parents loved the quality of life in Mankato," Christina says. "They both would have whole-heartedly approved of our decision. They believed they had a responsibility to do good things with their gifts, and it feels great to continue that wish and be a part of this."

The three Radichel siblings discovered another gift through their parent's foresight and planning. Living in different parts of the world, they find managing the foundation not only keeps the memories of their parents alive, it keeps them involved in each other's lives as well.

"I'm sure that was part of our father's thinking," Christina adds. "He wanted to make sure we stayed involved with each other. Together, we're learning what gifts are all about."