Josephus Bernardus Radstake was born in Wageningen on March the 30th 1872 as the son of a carpenter/builder. The family probably belonged to the calvinist denomination of the Dolerenden (Gereformeerden), and the father as a builder applied several times for the construction of churches. Most likely the son was educated by his father at least in the basics of construction.
Not much is known about Radstake jr.'s life and education. He is known to have moved to Enschede before 1896 and to have lived temporarily in Eibergen and Winterswijk in the following years, registered as an overseer. In 1902, while living in Eibergen, he applied for the position of town architect of Dokkum. Obviously he was not accepted, as later that same year he was registered as an architect in Enschede. In 1904 he married and moved to a new adress in that town. The couple had four children, three of which died within a few months after their birth. The oldest daughter lived for 67 years and died a month before Radstake himself.
In 1907 he was commissioned to repair a church of the Gereformeerden in his home town, probably the very church he himself attended. Although the exact nature of the works is not known, it was probably the first of many assignments coming from this denomination, both in Enschede and outside. In 1908 he rebuilt the same church but he also built what appears to be his first church, in nearby Glanerbrug.
Radstake designed and built churches at least until 1930. In that year he made the plans for the restoration of the reformed church of Eibergen, which was probably not executed. No further work at church buildings after 1930 is known. His last known assignment dates from 1936. In 1938 he moved to Wassenaar, most likely retired. He died in Wageningen on February the 28th 1973, aged 100.
Radstake was not a dedicated church architect, instead many of his designs are for protestant schools. His churches were mostly built in the vicinity of Enschede. Notable exceptions are the churches in Steenwijk and Bennekom. Since the latter village is close to his place of birth Wageningen, the assignment could well be the result of family relations.
Like other architects of his time and denomination, Radstake made his designs in different styles, without much of a personal mark. The following is a list of only his churches. It's probably mostly complete.
No further details.
Aisleless church in neo-Renaissance style.
Unknown changes to an older church.
Cruciform church in Rationalist style. Original portal was later mutilated.
Aisleless church in Rationalist style. Painted white later.
Cruciform church in neo-Renaissance style.
Aisleless church in neo-Renaissance style. Mutilated by the addition of a modern front later.
Aisleless church in a non-descript style, with Jugendstil details in the facade.
Aisleless church in a non-descript style, with neo-Gothic details and spire at the front of the roof. Demolished in 1962.
Church behind a historic house facade. An earlier design included a tower instead. Demolished.
Enlargement of an older (1871) church by addition of a transept in matching style.
Cruciform church in Rationalist style, with tower.
Cruciform church in Rationalist/Expressionist style with short tower.
Small aisleless church in Expressionist style. Now a catholic chapel.
Cruciform church in Rationalist/Expressionist style with tall tower.
Towerless cruciform church in Expressionist style.
Cruciform church in Expressionist style. Now a health center.
No further details. Possibly design or rudimentary plans only.