William E. Rader

William E. Rader, 54, of Wausau, died Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, at home.

Originally from Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Bill was born Sept. 1, 1957, in Marquette, Mich., to the late Harry and Phyllis (Lind) Rader. He was a 1978 graduate of Ishpeming High School. Bill married Tamara (Tammy) Vercoe on Oct. 15, 1983.

Bill was employed as an iron ore miner at the Mather B. Mine from 1976 to 1979, and later at the Tilden and Empire Mines from 1979 to 1982. He went on to work at NMW Supply in Marquette. During this time Bill also worked with the United States Snowmobile Association as a technical inspector at races.

Bill pursued his passion of racing with his career, and was employed at Bombardier (Ski-Doo) as race coordinator in Wausau from 1995 to 2000. Between 2000 and 2009 he was employed at Polaris Racing as race coordinator in Rothschild. His career in racing took him throughout the United States and Canada where he met many great friends whom he considered to be his family.

Bill had many passions in life including snowmobile and car racing. He loved restoring old snowmobiles and muscle cars. He was always willing and excited to teach people about these and other things he was passionate about.

Bill enjoyed spending time with his wife and daughter, Dana. Bill and his daughter would work in the garage, hunt and 4-wheel together, and she and Tammy attended many races with him.

Bill loved to brook trout fish, hunt, and spend time in the woods. He loved the times he spent with his brother bird hunting and 4-wheeling in Michigan, and getting together with family and friends.

Bill's health problems never affected his positive outlook on life and his drive to do things he enjoyed. He was a genuinely good person who "told it like it was;" and his sense of humor was priceless. He will be greatly missed by everyone, especially "his girls."

Survivors include his wife, Tammy Rader of Wausau; daughter, Dana Rader of Wausau; and brother, John (M. Susan) Rader of Ishpeming; one aunt, and many cousins and nephews.

Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 24, 2012, at Saint Andrew Lutheran Church, 3200 N. Mountain Road, Wausau. The Rev. Craig Swenson will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Brainard Funeral Home, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston, and again from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service Friday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family will be directed to a mechanical scholarship which will be set up at Wausau West High School at a later date.

Burial will take place in Ishpeming, Mich.

Brainard Funeral Home, Wausau, is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.com.

The family would like to thank Pastor Craig Swenson, Ministry Home Care, Ministry Home Hospice, and all doctors, hospitals, nurses and staff involved in caring for Bill.