Stephen Raderstorf laid to rest

He could make his family members fall to the ground in hysterical laughter with his silly faces and multiple accents.

Now, those same family members are laying Army Cpl. Stephen James Raderstorf to rest. Raderstorf, 21, went to Iraq Oct. 1, 2006, and died Jan. 7 from wounds he suffered while serving in Balad. The Department of Defense has not released any details of the mission Raderstorf was on at the time of his death other than saying the incident is under investigation. Raderstorf was a member of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Calvary Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Calvary Division based out of Foot Hood, Texas.

He was a 2003 graduate of Prescott High School.

"He could always make us laugh, no matter what the situation was. He could always make us laugh," said his younger brother, Philip, 16.

Raderstorf moved to the Prescott area with his family, which is now living in Peoria, during January 2002. He is the son of a Potter's House pastor, and therefore lived all over the world in such places as Uganda, East Africa, Indiana and California. He was the son of James and Sharon Raderstorf and the eldest brother to siblings, Philip and Joel.

His father said Stephen became interested in the military at a very young age.

"I have three boys Š and they always (would play army)," James said.

By the time he was in high school, Raderstorf began speaking with recruiters, he continued. Philip recalls the old army games he used to play with his brother.

"We just basically would sneak around the yard and go around without our parents knowing we were there," he said.

The three boys would play-shoot at each other, which tended to end in a final argument over who won the game.

Family members said Raderstorf loved sports; his forte was baseball. However, he never played on any teams while in school.

"I used to play baseball with him," Philip said. The brothers played in a league together while living in central Africa.

James said his son was a wonderful singer and songwriter. He played guitar, bass and drums, and wrote mostly alternative-style music.

"He sang for God," James said.

Raderstorf joined a band at the family's church, Philip added. He wrote most of the songs for the group.

"I'm proud of him and I'm proud of what he did," Philip said, his voice filled with passion. "As far as I'm concerned, he died a hero. He gave his life for freedoms we have here."

From the Courier

Related Link:
Stephen J. Raderstorf dies of wounds from combat operation