Born May 23, 1938, in Mansfield, Ohio, Bill was the son of the late Frank Augustus and Grace Louise (Hansen) Radler. He graduated from Mansfield Senior High School and attended The Ohio State University-Mansfield.
From a young age, Bill could often be found working at his father’s four root beer stands around Mansfield. It was there that he developed not only a lifelong love of root beer, but also a deep connection to the community he would always call home.
Bill dedicated 47 years of his career as a design engineer at Therm-O-Disc, where he was known for his hard work, creativity, and loyalty. In addition, he spent many years as an auctioneer, a role that perfectly suited his warm personality and knack for connecting with people.
He and his wife loved their time in Florida, where they found joy and sunshine away from Ohio’s cold winters. Bill was also an avid golfer, playing in several leagues, and rarely passed up the chance for a good game of poker with friends.
A lifelong lover of motor sports, Bill attended 49 consecutive Indianapolis 500 races. He rode motorcycles from the time he was a teenage and proudly participated in the 3 Flags Race, a multi-day endurance ride beginning in Mexico, crossing through the United States, and ending in Canada. He also raced karts for a time. Later in life, Bill took up cycling and could often be found riding the B & O Bike Trail, where he became a familiar and friendly face. He truly enjoyed staying active and busy.
Throughout his life, Bill believed in giving back. He was active in the Jaycees and the Soap Box Derby in his younger years and later served proudly on the Board of the Humane Society of Richland County.
Bill is survived by his wife of 67 years, Charlotte Fain Radler; two sons, Bill (Kathy) Radler and Trace Radler; five grandchildren, Robert (Caroline) Radler, Grace Radler (fiancé, Dylan Kwasniewski), Hannah, Ryan and Hallie Radler; three great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Kate and Mary James Radler; two sisters, Sharon Schadek and Patti (Bill) Mitchell; a special sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Pat and Mike Greene; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Debbie Radler; and a baby granddaughter, Emily Radler.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 1:00-2:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. A memorial service will follow at 2:30 p.m. He will be laid to rest in Mansfield Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be made to Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, or the Humane Society of Richland County.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Wedgewood Estates and SouthernCare Hospice for the wonderful care given to Bill.
