Herman H. “Sam” Radatz Jr., 69, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, formerly of Port Huron, passed away on Friday evening, March 31, 2017 at the V.A. Hospital in North Chicago, Illinois after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Several family members and life-long military veterans were at his side. A “no solder dies alone” ceremony was performed by fellow veterans at the hospital.
Sam was born in Port Huron on July 3, 1947, the son of Herman H. Radatz and Betty Radatz, who died during his birth. He attended Marysville High School prior to his enlistment in the U.S. Army. He proudly served for seven years, including two in Vietnam as a military police officer. After his military service, Sam was employed by the Radisson Inn Corporation in Wisconsin as a maintenance supervisor.
Sam was a dedicated and devoted veteran, managing a band composed of veterans who traveled the mid-central states entertaining fellow veterans at fundraisers and benefits for veterans and their families.
He is survived by his step brother, Terry Baker; step sister, Karen Goddard; companion, JoAnn Esser; four children; and many other relatives, extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Herman H. Radatz Sr.; and step parents, Gaylord and Pauline Baker.
Visitation will be from 2-8 pm Wednesday in the Marysville Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, April 6, 2017 in the Marysville Funeral Home. The Reverend Donald Dorezbacher will officiate. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery where he will be laid to rest next to his mother. Military honors will be conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Army and St. Clair County Allied Veterans Honor Guard.
Memorials may be made to the Captain James Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago.
To send condolences, please visit www.marysvillefuneralhome.com
