William Bader

William "Bill" Bader, 81, of Rockford, passed away at 4:35 PM on Thursday, June 26, 2014 at the Laurels of Shane Hill. Bill was born on December 19, 1932 to Edward and Florence (Martz) Bader in Liberty Township. Bill married Edith Bricher on December 1, 1956 who survives. He has been a lifelong resident of the Rockford area. He graduated from Rockford High School and started working at Goodyear Tire & Rubber in St. Marys. He was drafted into the U.S. Army. After his discharge, he returned to Goodyear and was able to work there for 44 years until his retirement in 1995. Bill was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, in Liberty Township, where he was a member of the dartball team for many years. He could be found at one of many baseball and softball fields in the area. He was not only an avid fan, but coached many young people in the fine art of baseball during their farm and little league careers. Bill loved to play as well as coach, participating in slow-pitch softball in the Celina and Willshire areas. He was a member of Rockford American Legion Post #508 and St. Marys Eagles #767. Besides his wife, Edie, surviving are three sons and one daughter: Stan (Sue) Bader of Van Wert; Doug (Carolyn) Bader of St. Marys; Greg Bader of Rockford and Lori (Jeff) Helm of Ohio City. One son, Danny is deceased. Also surviving is one sister: Carol (Orville) Eischen of Celina. Sisters, Wanda Deitsch and Mary Bader and brothers Robert and Larry Bader preceded Bill in death. Bill was the loving grandfather of 5 grandchildren: Damian Helm, Haley Helm, Evan Bader, Lauren Coffey and Morgan Coffey. Funeral services will be at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Liberty Township on Monday, June 30, 2014 at 11:00 AM. Pastor Sharon Stonerock will be officiating. Burial will be in the church's cemetery. Family and friends may call on Sunday, June 29th from 2:00 until 8:00 PM at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in Rockford and 1 hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. Memorials may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church or the Rockford Recreation Association.