Robert Raduechel

1942 - 2026

Robert Donald Raduechel (83) passed away on February 12, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of mentorship, craftsmanship, and a life lived at full throttle.

Born on July 17, 1942, Robert grew up in Oakdale, CA and graduated from Oakdale High School in 1960. He went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Arts from Fresno State College, laying the foundation for a distinguished career in vocational education.

In 1967, Robert became a pioneer in local education as a founding faculty member of Riverbank High School, where he established the Automotive Shop Program. In 1983, he brought his expertise to Modesto Junior College, where he taught in the Automotive Program until his retirement in 2004. Throughout his 37-year career, he didn't just teach mechanics; he fueled the ambitions of countless students. He remained in touch with many former students and was always ready to lend a hand.

For Robert, cars were more than a profession-they were a way of life. Whether he was repairing, restoring, or racing, he was happiest when immersed in the automotive world. He was a constant fixture at the track, serving on pit crews for local racers, and traveling across the country to attend races in Daytona, Medford, and Indianapolis. For many years, his annual pilgrimage to the Chili Bowl sprint car races in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was a highlight of his calendar.

One of his greatest joys was supporting the racing careers of his son and grandsons. Whether they were competing in go-karts, legend cars, stock cars, or thunder roadsters, Robert was always there-the ultimate crew chief and their most dedicated fan.

Robert's commitment to his community was as deep as his love for engines. He served as a 4-H Leader for many years, a member of the Empire Union Grammar School Board, and a valued advisor for the Graffiti Classic Car Museum in Modesto. His professional and social affiliations were numerous, including the California Automotive Teachers, Stanislaus Industrial Arts Teachers, the Automotive Service Council (ASC), the California Teachers Association, and the Antique Automotive Club of Modesto (AACA).

Above all, Robert was a family man. He shared 62 years of marriage with his wife, Susan. Together they traveled the country, with Robert especially cherishing trips to Virginia and Arizona to visit his granddaughters.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Louise Raduechel, and his brothers, Ronnie and Joey Raduechel.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Raduechel (Johansen); his children, Randy Raduechel (Danelle) of Oakdale, CA, and Dina Schumer (Aaron) of Vienna, VA; his grandchildren, Robert A. Raduechel (Jamie), Ryan Raduechel (Cambry), Sydney Schumer, and Allison Schumer; and his great-grandchildren, Russell and Rexford Raduechel.

A celebration will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 11 am at The Graffiti Classic Car Museum, 610 N. 9th Street, Modesto, CA. Donations can be made in Robert's memory to: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Community Hospice of Modesto, and The Graffiti Classic Car Museum, Modesto.