It is with heavy hearts that the family of Bradley Arnold Westerdahl (MSgt, USMC Retired) completed his tour of duty on this earth, passing away peacefully April 9, 2018 at the age of 89 in Raleigh, NC.
Brad was born in Moline, IL to the late Arnold and Lina Westerdahl. He entered his beloved Marine Corps during World War II and remained on active duty until 1968 and remained in the reserves until 1975.
Brad served in many capacities during his military career. He was wounded in combat at the Chosin Reservoir in December 1950 and later returned to Korea for a second tour. He also served two tours in Vietnam. Brad was especially proud of being a member of several Marine Corps rifle teams and being awarded the coveted Marine Corps Distinguished Marksman Badge, as well as his duty in Intelligence and as a Marine sniper. He was also a member of HMX-1 Squadron that flew the president. During his military career Brad was awarded the Bronze Star and The Navy Commendation Medal, both with Combat V and the Combat Action ribbon, and a Purple Heart. To him the Marine Corps was not a job but a way of life.
After his retirement from the Marine Corps, Brad worked as an intelligence analyst with the Army Foreign Science and Technology Center in Charlottesville, VA until his retirement from civilian service in 1989. In 1997 Brad and his beloved wife Ann relocated to Raleigh, NC.
Brad enjoyed many activities, to include photography to capture family memories, gardening, landscaping, trips to Las Vegas and Cherokee, and sporting events (especially the Washington Redskins and NCAA March Madness).
Brad also enjoyed spending time with all of his family--children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and other extended family members. They all held a very special place in his heart and in his words, "he adored them all." He was a very loving and caring person and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He was predeceased by his loving wife of 68 years, Ann. He is survived by daughters, Susan Gordon (Greg) of Earlysville, VA, Jeanette Chorpenning (Brent) of Raleigh, Lee Acosta (Joe Mazzaglia) of Garner; grandchildren, Brad Olson (Rachel), Allicia Giuseppe (Adam Meuse), Blakely Chorpenning (Sean Edgecombe), Brook del Valle (Brian); great-grandchildren, Zora, Naomi, Ellys, McKenzie, Devin, and Jaxon. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Kelly of Republic, MO. He is predeceased by his sister Chloe Peterson.
Brad always said his life was quite a ride with a big cloud of dust. What a ride he had!
All Brad ever asked of his family is to forever remember him as loving them all.
Brad and his beloved wife, Ann, are reunited, and will have their ashes buried together at Quantico National Cemetery. Services to be held in Raleigh will include a visitation on April 22, 2018 from 1-2 pm at Mitchell Funeral Home (7209 Glenwood Avenue), with a memorial service at 2:00pm in the funeral home chapel. A reception will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, Dumfries, VA or St. Joseph's Indian School P.O. Box 100, Chamberlain, SD 57325-0100.
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