Stephen J. Raderstorf dies of wounds from combat operation

On Christmas Eve, Joyce Raderstorf spoke to her grandson, who called from Iraq. That night, the phone was passed to each family member gathered for the holiday so they could hear his voice.

It would be their final chance.

Army Cpl. Stephen J. Raderstorf of Peoria died last Sunday in Balad, Iraq, of wounds received in combat, the Defense Department announced Saturday. Details were not available.

His body arrived in the Valley on Saturday. Services are planned for Tuesday and Wednesday.

"He just turned 21 on December 23. He was looking forward to coming home in February," Raderstorf said. "It was his first Christmas and birthday away from home."

The soldier had been in Iraq just three months. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, based at Fort Hood, Texas.

Family members said Stephen always wanted a career in the Army. He was the eldest of three sons of James and Sharon Raderstorf and a 2003 graduate of Prescott High School.

"Even when he was in high school he was talking to recruiters," his grandmother said.

His dream was to be a paratrooper and later work in special services, she said.

He was deployed to Iraq on Oct. 1.

"I am proud of what he did. I am proud of him, and he died a hero," said his brother Philip, 16, a student at Raymond S. Kellis High School in Peoria.

From the Republic