Joseph Anthony Mader

Joseph Anthony Mader, age 88, of Garnett, Kansas, died peacefully on Saturday, June 10, 2017, surrounded by his family in the home he built. He was born on January 15, 1929, the third son of Victor and Bertha (Feuerborn) Mader. Joe was a lifelong resident of Anderson County. Through his many contributions to the community and the living legacy of his family, he provided all with an example of how to love and live well. Joe married the love of his life, Juliana Elaine Lickteig on May 29, 1951. This union was blessed with 15 children. They raised their family on a farm southwest of Richmond. Joe was a jack-of-all-trades, and not afraid to experiment. There was seldom a need to hire a repairman, he could fix anything. In addition to farming, Joe was a heavy equipment operator, running a dozer for years. He drove a school bus for 33 years. He was part of the board that brought Rural Water to northwest Anderson County. He was a member of the NFO and a lifetime supporter of the Garnett FFA Chapter. He was actively involved in the St. Boniface Catholic Church ministries. Joe and Julie enjoyed the friendships that resulted from their 17 years with the Archdiocese of KCK, Pre-Marriage Program. Though his days were spent working hard, Joe always kept faith and family as his top priorities. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vic and Bertha Mader, who both also died in their 88th year; two brothers, Blaze "Bill" Mader in 1995, and Carl "Stub" Mader in 2008; as well as his oldest son, Ed Mader in 2004; son-in-law, Dale Milner in 2017; and grand-son-in-law, Bart Hazen in 2016. Joe is survived by his wife, Julie of the home; daughter-in-law, Donna Mader of Westphalia; daughter, Mary Milner of Garnett; sons, Ray Mader and Dan Mader of Garnett; daughters, Margie Tastove and husband Robert, Irene Tastove and husband Frank of Westphalia; son, Dave Mader and wife Julie of Nevada, Missouri; daughter, Nancy Hermreck and husband Dave of Garnett; son, Greg Mader of Richmond; daughter, Ann Lutz and husband Rod of Ottawa, Kansas; son, Bob Mader and wife Kristy of Richmond; daughters, Carol Lutz and husband Milton of Richmond; Jan Grollmes and husband Linus of Wetmore; Tina Mader of Iola; Amy Mader of Garnett; thirty-six grandchildren; and thirty-three great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, in-laws and "out-laws". Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, June 14, 2017, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Scipio, Kansas. Burial will follow in the St. Boniface Cemetery. The family will greet friends following a 6:00 P.M. Rosary on Tuesday evening at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Boniface New Hall Fund. Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com .