Karl Radloff, owner of 'Karl's Red Hots,' Dies at 51

Visitation for Karl E. Radloff will be held at the Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home, 201 N. Northwest Hwy., Palatine on Sunday May 22 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. Monday May 23 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church 24500 N. Old McHenry Road, Hawthorn Woods. Interment will follow in the St. Matthew Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Karl was born on Nov. 13, 1959 in Evanston the son of Harold “Bud” and Marion “Dorothy” (nee Klages) Radloff and passed away on Tuesday May 17 at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights. 

Karl, known to many as “Charlie Brown”, “Pork Chop” and “Chef Karl” was admired by all.

His passion was to cook and entertain friends and family. Karl had a dream to own his own establishment to bring joy to others. He eventually established “Karl’s Red Hots”. Much time was devoted to his business at the same time being an admiration to friends, family and especially the kids.

He loved bringing a smile to all that met him both in and out of the parks. His most famous line was “Hey Kiddo, what’s going on?” He meant every word of it and was there to listen and care for others. Many volunteered their time to learn from Karl, not only for his cooking techniques, but also looked to him as a mentor. Karl touched many lives and his thoughtfulness and big heart will be deeply missed.

Karl never asked for anything, but was always there to lend a hand. His family and friends were most important to him, never material things. Life to Karl was all about fun and enjoyment. He may no longer be with us, but that tender heart that touched us all will live on forever through all of us.

Survived by his beloved parents Bud and Dorothy Radloff; siblings Holly (Douglas) Frinkle, Eric (Vicki) Radloff and Lisa (Mark) Nelson and the late Kurt Radloff; sister in law Debra (Terry) Mican; uncles Ron (late Jean) Klages and Rich (Delores) Klages, aunts Elsie (Late Vince) Wiedner and Irma (late Leslie) Haseman; nephews and nieces Mark and Elizabeth Hergott, Joshua, Daniel, Stephanie, Laura and Benjamin Radloff, David and  Sally Grace; great nieces Violet and Sadie; also survived by many cousins and other loving friends.

In lieu of flowers memorials would be appreciated for the Karl Radloff Memorial Fund, C/O First Bank/Illinois, 300 E. Northwest Hwy., Palatine, IL  60067.