Norman David Raderer

A once strong Marine and Naval officer, CAPT (retired) Norman David Raderer, age 80, of Louisville, Kentucky died at home on July 23, 2025, after fighting a battle with congestive heart failure. Norm was born on November 8, 1944, in Louisville, Kentucky to Arthur Henry Raderer and Marian Kummer Raderer and only weighed 4 lbs. According to his Grandmother Raderer, it was "so cold that day and Norman was so small that he slept in a drawer." Luckily, over the years, Norm overcame his tiny size and even played football for Seneca High School.

Norm attended the University of Louisville, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, and most importantly met the love of his life, Ann Jones. True love begins many ways, but this story starts in 1965 when Norm's fraternity, the Lambda Chi's, were helping the Chi Omega's set up decorations for homecoming. After much debate about a 15-foot cardinal decoration, a frustrated Norm requested to speak to the person in charge and was directed to Ann. He asked, "What do you want to do with the cardinal?" Ann replied, "Move that Bird!" Three words that changed the course of both of their lives…Norm liked a decisive woman. They were married in 1968 and spent 57 years together building a life based on love, friendship, and a deep respect for one another. Their shared Christ-led values made up for the fact that Norm didn't dance…perhaps his only flaw.

Life took Norm in a lot of different directions. After college, Norm's selfless and rule following personality perfectly aligned with military service and he was soon commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps. His service included a year combat tour in Vietnam, where he earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for Valor, and subsequently a commission in the Navy Reserve as a commander of a Naval Construction Battalion (Seabees), from which he eventually retired as a Captain (O-6). He always conducted himself as a professional, with competence and class. Norm was truly an officer and a gentleman.

In his civilian life, Norm spent much of it as the Director of KFC Worldwide Engineering. He supervised equipment development and also had the privilege to oversee a project (Chix in Space) that launched on the space shuttle…quite a unique experience for a chicken engineer. After retiring from the military, Norm continued his service to our community as a volunteer firefighter with Harrod's Creek Fire Department and as a private pilot, he shared his love of flying with kids at Flight Club 502. For the past six decades, Norm especially loved spending time with his younger brother, Tom Raderer (Janet), as well as extended family and friends at Nolin Lake. You could always find him tinkering around the garage, engaged in a family project, reading in his rocking chair on the porch or just enjoying a good glass of bourbon.

His spirit lives on in all whom he met and the family he so dearly loved. His favorite daughter, Liesl Raderer Carter (Marcus) and his favorite son, Eric David Raderer (Gail) were always his greatest joys. Norm also cherished their spouses (affectionately known as the outlaws) for their support, love and unique senses of humor. These four were the apple of his eye until the six Grands came into the picture and he and Ann became known as Smokey and JoJo. Andrew, Maxwell, Patrick, Esme, Greta, and Hadley brought a new level of joy, adventures, laughter, games, fishing, puzzles, DQ Blizzard runs, movie marathons, and family gambling. He cherished spending time with each of them…and they all loved doing anything with their "Smokey".

Norm, Dad, Smokey was the rock of our family and a servant of Christ. He was the hero of our hearts and will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025 at St Andrew's United Church of Christ, 2608 Browns Lane, Louisville, KY 40220. Visitation 3:00 – 5:30 pm; service at 5:30 pm with a reception to follow at the church. Norm will be interred with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to:

Marine Corps Coordinating Council of Kentucky

P.O. Box 355

Prospect, KY 40059

Norm was a member of the Board

Or

The Semper Fi Fund

https://thefund.org/donate/