Ella Bader

Ella Bader was born June 29, 1924 to parents John J. and Margaretha (Weller) Heiser at her parent’s home near Artas, South Dakota.  She was baptized and confirmed at Hoffnungstal Lutheran Church.  Ella attended country school and helped on the family farm.

She worked various jobs in the area before her marriage to Harold F. Bader on October 23, 1955, at Zion American Lutheran Church in Eureka, South Dakota.  Following their marriage, Ella and Harold lived and farmed near Eureka.  In 1968 the couple moved to Aberdeen, South Dakota and in 1975 they moved to Appleton, Minnesota.

Ella relished being a mother and housewife.  She always planted a large garden, did lots of canning, and loved to bake and to sew.  Ella was an exceptional cook and greatly enjoyed family gatherings at “Grandma’s House”.  Ella truly loved being at home with her family and her dogs, “Ike” and “Oddie.”

She enjoyed an excellent quality of life until breaking her hip in 2015 and again in 2017, which required her to become a resident in the Care Center.  Ella passed away Tuesday, November 20, 2018 in Appleton Area Health Services –Care Center.   She attained 94 years, 4 months, and 21 days of age.  She is survived by her children: Darrell Bader of Appleton and Glenda (Brian) Kennedy of Madison; 4 grandchildren: Katrina (Justin) Cook, Anne Kennedy, Emily Kennedy, and Jack Kennedy; 3 sisters: Mathilda Schaffer of Herried, SD, Irene Knapp and Elsie (Merle) Mettler, both of Rapid City, SD; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Ella was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Bader; parents, John and Margaretha Heiser; 3 brothers: Herbert Heiser, Arthur Heiser and Walter Heiser; 8 sisters: Ottilia Horst, Edna Schaeffer, Alma Heinrich, Amanda Mayer, Hilda Stadel, Anna Bitz, Kathryn Mettler, and Martha Wiedmeier.

Ella will be greatly missed by her children and grandchildren.  She will always be remembered as a woman of strength, courage, determination, wisdom, and love.

Blessed be the memory of Ella Bader