Adolph Marty Rader

Adolph "Marty" Rader, 78, Rockford, passed away peacefully Monday, April 5, 2010, in his home surrounded by his family after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. Born October 9, 1931, in Springfield to Adolph and Emma (Taylor) Rader. He moved to Rockford at the age of 17 and graduated from Rockford East High School, class of 1949. Marty married Rosalie Korte in St. James Catholic Church on September 27, 1952. He is a veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving as an artillery observer assigned to the Field Artillery Observation Battalion 1. He attained the Rank of Sergeant before his discharge in 1953. Marty was employed for 39 years by Sems, a division of Textron, retiring in 1989, as a supervisor. Marty was an avid reader who never stopped learning, an outdoorsman who loved fishing, hunting and gardening. He was an incredible artist who painted beautiful landscapes, birds and wildlife. His artistry showed in the gorgeous flowerbeds and gardens he designed and cultivated. Above all else he was a wonderful and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. His children and grandchildren were the joys of his life. He loved telling of his grandchildrens accomplishments. "Not a bad one in the bunch" he would say with pride. Those of us who love him will greatly miss his charm, his marvelous wit, and his great wisdom.Survive by his loving wife, Rosalie; son and daughter-in-law, Richard "Dick" and Lori, son and daughter-in-law, Robert " Bob" and Jeanine, daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Keevin Quillen, and "adopted son" , Keith Hale; grandchildren, Lisa and David Rader, Nicholas Rader, Melissa, Amy and Neil Quillen; great-grandchildren, Anthony and Geneva Rader-Carter. He was predeceased by his parents, brother, Thomas (Tommy) Rader and parents-in-law, Oscar and Viola Korte.The family would like to express deepest gratitude to the staff of OSF Hospice and Mary Blume, whose help has been a true blessing. Special thanks to Marilyn, Michelle, and Chaplain Ed, who have been such a great comfort to Marty and his family. You are all angels. Memorial service will be at 2 pm, Friday, April 9, 2010, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, Il 61108 with Chaplain Ed Greenfield officiating. Visitation will be from 1 pm until service time on Friday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to OSF Hospice, 6122 Mulford Village Dr. Rockford, IL, 61107. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.