David Owen Radloff

david radloff
David Owen Radloff, age 80, passed away on December 26, 2022. Dave is survived by his wife of 52 years, Paula, who cared for him with love and strength throughout his 19 year journey with Parkinson’s disease. He was loved by his daughters Erica (Ted) Schmitz and Elizabeth (Shane) Madigan and grandchildren Alexandra and Olivia Schmitz and Andrew and Erin Madigan. He also leaves behind sisters Ruth (Bob) Darula and Mary Birtzer, sister in law Janet Cerutti as well as nieces and nephews.

Dave was born on a dairy farm in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. He graduated as valedictorian from Juneau high school and went on to study business and accounting at University of Wisconsin, Madison and later a masters in taxation from Golden Gate University. He was proud to be commissioned in the United States Army in 1964 and served as first lieutenant in medical services in Vietnam. Remembering sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge when he was shipped out, Dave returned to San Francisco where he fell in love with the city and Paula (née Cerutti). The farm boy from Wisconsin and the Italian girl from New York City were transferred to Washington D.C. with Arthur Young and settled in Vienna and Falls Church. In 1973, Dave opened his own CPA firm in Great Falls while Paula taught. Through his own example, they raised the girls to be kind and compassionate, curious travelers and balanced risk takers. He welcomed Erica to the accounting firm in 2001 and together Radloff and Schmitz became known for dependable, honest service. He was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Vienna for 38 years where his love for God was evident.

Dave’s quick, underrated, dry humor made him a valued friend and fun travel companion. He took joy in each day, grateful for each of his blessings. We will honor him by taking the road less traveled, loving our families and making time for happiness (and ice cream) each day.

If you are so moved, contributions can be made to Parkinson’s research at https://www.michaeljfox.org/tribute or Emmanuel Lutheran Church https://elcvienna.org/give/ Services will be held on Saturday, January 7th at 11:00 am at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Vienna.

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Dave was truly a good man. We were privileged to share some twenty-five years and two grandchildren, Alexandra and Olivia, with Dave and Paula. Dave will be missed by all who knew him and shared a friendship with him. All our love, Carol & Mike Schmitz

    • Sincere condolences for your loss. My family have been clients and friends of Dave for 50 years. Dave will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

  2. The world has lost a bright, wonderful, gentle man. We have known Dave since the early 1980’s and we will miss him even though our contact with him has been through Erica since he retired. I know that he was very proud of Erica, especially since see would carry-on what he began.

    Our sincere sympathy for his family. We will keep you in our prayers.

    Fran and Jack Dale

  3. We have worked with Dave and/or Erica for well over 30 years, save one year we foolishly tried to do taxes ourselves. Dave was a gentle and kind soul with the patience a good accountant needed. He was a humble and honest man, which we have far too few of. He will be missed. Our deepest and sincere sympathy. Dana and Larry Lotspeich

  4. Erica, so sorry to learn of your dad’s passing. He died on my birthday!
    It sounds as if he lived a very productive and purposeful life. He must have been thrilled to learn that both of your daughters are following in the family footsteps by studying accounting. I’m sorry I didn’t get to know him. My sincere condolences to you and the rest of the family.
    Phyllis Liner

  5. Erica, I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure your father is very proud you.
    Condolences to the entire family. He has left a wonderful legacy.
    Allison Caple

  6. Q: How did you meet David?

    A: Ron and I were given his name by real estate agent Clark Hamm who sold us our house in 1986. He was always so kind in his demeanor and always generous with advice. He was very helpful to Ron and I when we were buying our beach condo. He always referred to himself as Dave but I always called him Mr Radloff. I just couldn’t call him Dave!


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Accessibility Tools
hide