Mary Ann Rades

Mary Ann Rades, age 82, of Pella WI, returned to her Heavenly Father on October 10, 2025, after injuries sustained in a car accident. Mary was born on May 24, 1943, in Clintonville to the late Alfred and Frances (Niemuth) Suehring. She graduated from Marion High School in 1961 and was united in marriage to Duane L. Rades on December 22nd, 1962, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. During his service in the Army, Mary joined Duane at his post in Germany where their son Kevin was born. They returned to the stateside and their daughter Susan was born. Mary was immensely proud of her children and their accomplishments over the years and was known as "the cool mom" in their 4-H and Luther League activities. Besides working at Johnson Insurance Agency and caring for her children, Mary was also accomplished - especially in her faith and music. She was a Sunday School teacher, began her church organist career as a teenager and continued lifelong at multiple churches. She was also involved in church handbell choirs, sang with the Sweet Adelines and Christmas Cantadas, and was an accompanist for solo & ensemble for local high schools. She loved to give her talent of music, as well as to give with her sewing talents. Mary was always working on projects to donate, ranging from quilts for Lutheran World Relief to school bags and dresses, to newborn care packages, varied projects for Orphan Grain Train, and crocheting sleeping mats for Haiti. She volunteered to drive disabled veterans to the VA, was a part of the census survey team, and volunteered through Thrivent. When with the Sweet Adelines, she was a large part of the Cream Puffs at the county fair. When not volunteering, she and Duane enjoyed their time together in their large vegetable and flower gardens. Mary has touched the lives and hearts of many people over the years, and her loss is deeply felt by all.

Mary is survived by her son, Kevin (Debra) Rades; son-in-law Mark Stehula; grandchildren Paul (Alicia) Rades, Beth (Jerot) Ritter, Mitchell Stehula, and Megan Stehula; and great-grandchildren Bryce and Claire Rades. She is further survived by brother-and-sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Frances Suehring, sister Diane Thomack, husband Duane, and daughter Susan Stehula.

A memorial service for Mary will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday October 22, 2025, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Pella with pastor Ryan Halmstad officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday from 9:30am until the time of service. Inurnment will be held at the church cemetery.