EDWARD A. RADEK, SR. (1920-2011)
Died July 18th at age 91.
The fast-food giant, McDonald's, was needing to make changes to its drive-thru windows in the 1970s and owner Ray Kroc turned to a Chicago metal-manufacturing company run by Edward A. Radek, Sr. and his brother John, Ready metal manufacturing, which they had founded on the city's Southwest Side shortly after World War II on a $500 grant from the GI Bill.
The two of them developed three different designs to be used at the various McDonald's franchise stores, the basic components of which are still in use.
The son of Polish immigrants and one of 12 children, Mr. Radek humorously remembers having 'to fight for his meals." He joined the military right after graduation and served two years in the 6th Armored Division, part of Gen. George Patton's Third Army during World War II.
He and his brother opened their business in the garage of their parents' home in 1947, creating covers for radiators and selling them door-to-door. Eventually the company had 500 workers and did work for Target and Radio Shack.
So the next time you choose the drive-thru instead of going inside, you know who to thank.
One of Those in the Greatest Generation.
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