Beloved Mother-Called By Death Last Friday Noon; Mrs. Louis Rader Passes Away Suddenly While at House hold Tasks.
Mrs. Louis Rader, one of the best known women of this community, passed away suddenly at her home in Beauford last Friday shortly before noon. She was stricken while engaged with the family washing and without a word of warning, passed away in her son's arms. She had been talking to her son who was in an adjoining room. Suddenly he heard the sound of the washing machine stop, looked up to see his mother as she fell and reached her side as the end came.
Mrs. Rader's maiden name was Mary Katherine Schenk and she was born in Ohio on August 19, 1865. The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schenk, she came to Minnesota when she was but six months old and to Decoria where they located and lived for many years. She grew to womanhood in our neighboring township, attending the country schools and later school in Mankato where she was confirmed in the Lutheran faith.
On August 18, 1886, she was united in marriage with Louis Rader and their home has been in this community since that time. To this union twelve children were born, two preceding their mother in death. Those surviving with their father to mourn the passing of this good mother are George of Good Thunder, Walter of Medo, Frank of Mankato, Oscar, Louis and Carl who are at home, Mrs. Rose Sommers of Mapleton, Mrs. Laura Boss of St. Paul, Mrs. Lydia Schroeder of Minneapolis and Mrs. Florence Getty of Mankato.
Mrs. Rader is also mourned by ten grandchildren, one brother, Henry Schenk of Decoria, and three sisters, Clara and Caroline Schenk and Mrs. Anna Buelow of Decoria.
Mrs. Rader was one of those fine mothers who have brought into the world sons and daughters, giving them of the very best within her powers. Gifted with a cheery personality, she won many friends whom she welcomed; with open hands to her home and her heart. She worked early and late for the welfare of her loved ones and her children can well call her blessed.
The funeral services were held Monday afternoon from the Decoria Lutheran church where an immense throng of people gathered to pay their last tribute of love and affection. The pastor Rev. Kaiser paid a merited tribute to the life of Mrs. Rader, flowers in profusion evidencing the high regard in which she was held by her neighbors and friends. Her six sons were pallbearers and the remains were laid to rest in the Decoria cemetery.
Those from a distance who attended the funeral of Mrs. Louis Rader Monday afternoon were Mr. and Mrs.Charles Kilbright, Mr. and Mrs. Wm.Strausburg, Mrs. Mary Bortorf, Minneapolis; Mrs. Wm. Boss and daughter, Alice, Mrs. Clauce and son, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Smith, St. Paul; Mrs. Maggie Rader, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Rader, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Rader, Perham.: Mrs. Anna Hooker, 0sakis, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Glendining.
Grievous indeed was the word Friday noon telling of the sudden death of Mrs. Louis Rader, who has been a part of our community for years. To see the multitude of people who gathered at the church Monday to pay their last tribute of love and respect for this estimable woman was but a partial manifestation of the place she filled in the hearts of her friends. And to hear the words of her pastor, when reflecting on the life she had lived was an incentive to all to seek heavenly things first. To see her mortal remaim carried to the final resting place by her six stalwart sons; and four daughters and a number of grandchildren to follow the bier, gave evidence that her life was not lived in vain. Many sacrifices did she make and braved through trials heroically. Her optimism and charitableness were outstanding. Her sweet voice has been stilled, but the memory of the whole souled, commonplace, mother will linger with us indefinitely. Her home and children have lost the great link in the family chain and as they sorrow with their bereft father we sympathize with them all and feel that we each one have lost a loving friend in the passing of Mary Katherine Schenk Rader. BECE, 7/17/1931.


1900 Census, Beauford, Blue Earth Co., MN,Louis, born Jun 1862, IL, Mark K., born Aug 1865, OH, married 13 years, mother of 9, 8 living, Rosy A. Apr 1887, Laura S. Oct 1890, Lydia I, Jul 1892, George A. Apr 1894, Oscar A & Frank W, Jun 1895, Walter W. Oct 1897, Carl F. Jul 1898., children born in MN.
1910 Census, Beauford, Blue Earth Co., MN, Louis, 49, IL, Mary K., 44, OH, Lydia I, 17, Oscar A, 14, Walter W. 12, Carl F. 11, Louisa 8, Florence K., 6; children born in MN.