Martin "Dick" R. Rader

Martin Richard (“Richard” or “Dick”) Rader, 67, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on December 14, 2020 with his beloved wife at his side.

He was born in Galena, IL to Marty and Rosalie (Korte) Rader on January 28, 1953. He graduated from Guilford High School in Rockford, IL in 1971, and married the love of his life, Lori (Hurlimann) Rader, on April 13, 1974. He was a loving father to his children, Lisa and David. He was also an adoring grandfather to Geneva and Anthony. He enjoyed an especially close bond with Geneva as they shared a love of SpongeBob and of drawing. Both are talented artists, and he was incredibly proud of her achievements.

Dick is remembered by everyone who knew him as “a character”. He was a big guy with a full head of brilliant red hair, a booming voice, and a contagious laugh. He commanded attention whenever he entered a room. Never one to let a good audience go to waste, he always had something witty to say. He was a gifted storyteller with a great sense of humor, and among his favorite topics were the summers he spent working on his grandparents’ farm, and the adventures he shared as a kid with “the guys from the old neighborhood”, many of whom remained lifelong friends.

A gifted athlete, Dick excelled at everything from football to softball to golf, and even darts (which he insisted counts as a sport). He especially enjoyed coaching his kids’ youth sports teams. He taught Lisa to always run through first base, to play smart defense, and the importance of learning from your mistakes by reminding her never to repeat a “boneheaded play like that” again. He taught David a deep appreciation for baseball stats, how to be in the right place at the right time on the basketball court, and perseverance by reminding him to keep trying because “nobody can possibly miss ALL of their uncontested layups”. He was a diehard Minnesota Twins fan, never missing an opportunity to see them play, even if it meant having to visit the Mall of America with Lori. Anyone who knew him would appreciate the depth of this sacrifice.

He was a devoted husband who loved spending time with Lori. When he had to be in the hospital, he would tell his kids, “I just want to go home and hang out with your mom”. We extend heartfelt thanks to Nick and Cheryl from Hospice Care of America, Racheal, Heather, and others who helped care for him at home so that we could fulfill his wish. We also thank friends and family who offered kindness and support during his illness.

Dick will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his mother, Rosalie; his wife, Lori; his children, Lisa and David; his grandkids, Geneva and Anthony; his brother, Bob Rader (Jeanine); his sister, Sandy Quillen; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Services will be at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. in Rockford, IL this Sunday, December 20, 2020. A walk-through visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 PM, with a private memorial service to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions in Dick’s memory to the American Heart Association or GoodSports.org. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.