Richard Benjamin Mader, 80, of Lake City, FL, passed away on Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at his home after a lengthy illness. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and was the son of the late Richard John and Beatrice VanVleet Mader. He had served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict and prior to his retirement he had worked at IBM and Florida Atlantic University. Formerly of Ocala, FL, he had moved to Lake City, FL in 1999. Mr. Mader was a member of Epiphany Catholic Church, American Legion and past member of Knights of Columbus, Lake Butler Singles Club, Delta Sigma Pi, SECME. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by: his wife: Patricia Mae (Thur) Mader; his two children: Mary Pat Mader and Richard John Mader; and two sisters: Mary Miller and Ruth Zavadsky.
Survivors include his wife: Mary Petry Mader, Lake City, FL; four children: John (Linda) Mader, Boca Raton, FL, Douglas (Gretchen) Mader, Columbus, SC, Jill (Raymond) Lagomasino, Cumming, GA, and Mary Mader, Lake City, FL; two step-children: Linda (Jeffrey) Hill, Lake City, FL and Donald (Ramona) Petry, Starke, FL; three brothers: Larry Mielke, Beaver Dam, WI, Jim (Joyce) Mielke, Ft. Myers, FL, Gerry (Lois) Mader, Ft. Myers, FL; one sister: Arlyene Miller, W. Allis, WI; 14 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.
Funeral services will be on Saturday, June 30, 2012, at 11:30 A.M. at the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Dr. Roy E. Martin officiating. A visitation with the family will be on Friday, June 29, 2012, at the First Presbyterian Church from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Also, a Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, July 2, 2012 at Epiphany Catholic Church at 11:00 A.M. with Father Mike Pendegraft officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CARC, Advocates for Citizens with Disabilities at 512 SW Sisters Welcome Road, Lake City, Florida 32025. GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY , (386-752-1954) 3596 S. US Hwy 441, Lake City, FL is in charge of all arrangements. Please send words of love and comfort to www.gatewayforestlawn.com.