Rader, John Russell

John Russell Rader, 84, of Lancaster, Wis., passed away Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque.

He was born Sept. 3, 1929, in La Crosse, Wis, the son of Russell and Helen (Wing) Rader. John graduated from Central High School in 1947. Following his graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served his country in the occupation of Japan until his honorable discharge. After his discharge, John attended LaCrosse Technical College to become a draftsman. He was employed at Trane Air Conditioning in LaCrosse. On June 28, 1952, John was united in marriage to Jacqueline V. Thiele in LaCrosse. After their marriage, the couple moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he was employed with Rockwell Collins until his retirement. John and Jackie moved to Lancaster in 2002. He was a member of the Lancaster Congregational Church. John enjoyed planes, automobiles and trains. He loved books, music and woodworking.

Survivors include his wife, Jackie, Lancaster; their children, Michael (Cindy) Rader, Nisswa, Minn., and Mary (Issa) Handal, Lancaster, Wis.; three grandchildren, Derek (Kaitlyn) Rader, Iowa City, Daren (Emily) Rader, Breezy Point, Minn., and Hannah Handal, Madison, Wis.; one sister, Jane (George) Ruediger, Green Bay, Wis.; other relatives and many friends.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a son, Mark Russell Rader; and a granddaughter, Heidi Margret Handal.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Lancaster Congregational Church, with the Rev. Mark Dieter officiating. Private family burial, with military honors, will be at Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends may call Friday from 9:30 a.m. until service time at the church. Schwartz Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Lancaster, Wis., is assisting the family.

Online condolences: www.martinschwartzfuneralhomes.com.

Published Oct. 4, 2013 in The Gazette