Clarence E. Bader Sr.

Clarence E. Bader, Sr., age 89, of Loves Park, passed away on Monday, November 14, 2016 at Lincolnshire Place in Loves Park, Illinois with his loved ones by his side. Born September 24, 1927 in Barron County, Wisconsin, the son of Alfred and Mary (Marx) Bader. Clarence moved to Illinois in 1951 from his much-loved family farm in Barron, WI to pursue a career in manufacturing at Sundstrand and White-Sundstrand Machine Tool Companies, and to start and raise his family. He was a member of the UAW and retired from Sundstrand after 31.5 years of service in 1984. He used his early retirement to pursue his passions of fishing, hunting, gardening and travelling to "God's Country" in Northern Wisconsin. He loved to walk with friends which he did every day for exercise. He loved to dance and was a very social person. Clarence was an excellent chef and master of family fish fries, bravely hosting all his children and grandchildren, and spouses on many occasions.

He is survived by; sister, Phyllis (Richard) Floan; sister-in-law Sharon Bader; brothers-in-law, David Schmitz and Darryl Graves, children; Diane (Randle) Newman, Clarence Bader, Jr., Leroy (Rosemary) Bader, Sandra (Craig) Olsen, Jerry (Joanne) Woods and Larry Woods, all of Illinois, grandchildren; Bryan Newman, Lindsay (Shane) Njos, Vanessa (Brian) Beair, Kristie Bader, Natalie (Todd) Bader, Daniel (Blanca) Bader and Angelise Nelson; 9 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and long-time special friend and fishing partner Shirley Nalan.

Clarence was preceded in death by; parents; brothers; Albert and Paul Bader, sisters; Lorraine Schmitz and Jeanne Graves; grandson Anthony Woods.

Special thanks to all of the nurses and staff who touched Dad's life during his time at Lincolnshire Place. A true animal lover all his life, Clarence was cheered many days by his self-appointed Memory Care Therapy Dogs: Macy and Buddy. Transitions Hospice Care was a deep blessing to us during Dad's last days.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 18 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park, IL with visitation one hour prior to service time. Burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens following the service. In his memory, donations may be made to Alzheimer's Research. Condolences to sunsetfhmemgardens.com