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Gary Bader Obituary
Bader, Gary
Passed away on Tuesday, January 26th, 2021 after a courageous battle with the Covid virus. He had a beautiful 52 year marriage to his high school sweetheart Patti, a devoted daughter Kristin (Tim) Halsey, and loving Poppy of Jaxon and Ava Halsey.
Gary was discharged from the U.S. Army as a 1st Lt. He had a successful career for 50 years in the Refractory business. Gary was larger than life with the love of so many, his AA family for 28 years, brother, uncle and many friends.
Services: Funeral service at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Rd. at Holloway, Ballwin, Saturday, February 6th at 10:00 a.m. The service will be live streamed available through a link at the Schrader Funeral Home website. Private interment with full military honors at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Stray Rescue of St. Louis or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. A celebration of Gary's unforgettable life will be held in the Spring. Friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Bader
Richard Ilnicki
January 30, 2025
The man was a legend. I wish he was still with us. Hard to imagine, especially this year. 2025!
Richard Ilnicki
January 30, 2024
Few of our classmates were as positive as Gary. It is no wonder that he became such a successful businessman. He also was a good husband and father. I wish I had been able to spend more time with him during those post- graduation times. Thanks, Gary for the memories I do have.
c w
July 18, 2022
So sorry to hear about Gary. I was just trying to contact him and found this news. What a guy!
Matt Kertz
April 2, 2021
I’m so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing and just learned of it this evening. I had the pleasure of working with Gary in Midlothian and had him over on Super Bowl Sunday while he stayed in town. He always told me to look him up when I visited family in Ste Genevieve. He was an incredible and caring person who left a positive mark on all who met him
Pam Kolesar
February 18, 2021
So sorry to hear of your loss. I am glad I got to talk to him recently. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Pam Fatalsky,Kolesar.
Connie and Joe
February 8, 2021
Joe an I have been heart broken since we heard of Gary’s passing. He had become dear to us and we both will greatly miss his quick wit and humor. Our deepest sympathy to you, Patti, during this sad time but know that we are both here for you.
Peggy Petralia
February 7, 2021
Patti, So very sorry to learn of Gary's passing. It was such a joy to meet both of you and spend 4 wonderful days together in Turks. You are in my prayers. My deepest sympathy.
Christine Gubba
February 7, 2021
Patti, I feel for you in your loss. I hope you can find some comfort in your many special memories and in the thought of the happy years you shared. My heartfelt sympathy.
Mike (Peaky Blinders) Keane
February 6, 2021
Sending my love to you all. Gary followed me out of a meeting one day to check on me and he took me under his wing from that day on calling me Peaky Blinders. So glad I got to know him a little. He was a good man who was always bragging on his family, namely Jaxon.
Jonnie Wilson
February 6, 2021
When I first met Gary, it was as if I’d known him forever. He made me feel very comfortable and we talked nonstop. I think we told each other our life stories in that next hour! I’ll always appreciate how kind he was to everyone, and how he welcomed you into his life. I don’t think he ever met a person he didn’t have some connection he could share with them. I’ll always look back on these memories and smile.
Barb Krason
February 6, 2021
Patti: My heart, prayers, love & thoughts are with you & your family. I treasure all the happy memories we share. I know Gary is racing around heaven in his Corvette. God better hang on when Gary offers him a ride.
Pat Schrappen
February 6, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jim Armbruster
February 6, 2021
There are very few people I've known that I can say this about but Gary helped steer the couse of my sober life. His insight, his passion and his love helped me choose the right forks in the road and I will miss him.
Erika Spencer
February 6, 2021
My deepest sympathies for you and your family. My heart hurts for you and your family
Gary Dudash
February 6, 2021
Aunt Patti and Kristen,
Deepest sympathy to your loss. Uncle Gary RIP!
You will be missed by all.
Love,
Gary Dudash
Curtis and Jo Ballenger
February 6, 2021
Our prayers to Patti and Bader family
Tammy St Clair
February 6, 2021
I am very sorry for your loss. Gary was highly respected and admired. He will be missed and always remembered. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Debbey Pittinger
February 6, 2021
He will be missed. Not enough space to write about all the times we had together. Love to you all.
Jennifer Komor
February 6, 2021
Gary was so passionate, wise, and loving. He had a way of always speaking truth to me sternly but with sincere love. I am a better person because of witnessing his actions and words of wisdom.
Jeffrey Bader
February 5, 2021
Aunt Patti and Kristen,
We are saddened by the loss of Uncle Gary. He had a true gift of being able to make people smile and laugh with a great joke or his energetic personality. Although we didn't see each other often enough he will be missed. His spirit will live on in everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. May God and family comfort you during this time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Jeff, Meghan, Darren, Grace, Sarah, and Jessa Bader
Stacie Mullen
February 5, 2021
We are so very sorry for your loss. We think of you everyday and hope you
Feel our prayers.
Barbara Warneke
February 5, 2021
Dear Patti and Family,
So sad to learn of the death of your beloved. May you receive all the grace and blessings required in the days ahead. Fondly, Barbara Warneke, former neighbor of Janet Fulford.
Kay Weeks
February 5, 2021
Patti, I am so very sorry for your loss. May all the sweet memories of Gary sustain you in the days and weeks ahead.
Jen Jaquette
February 5, 2021
I came to know and respect Gary during his stay in Mansfield, TX several years ago. We became fast friends and I will never forget his kindness to me. Such a genuine soul. May his family be comforted during this time. Rest In Peace, sweet man!
SANDY COOMES
February 5, 2021
Gary was taken too soon from our lives. I am sure he had a lot more of himself to give to everyone. God bless him in his new home and watch over Patti, Kristin, Jaxon and Ava, they really miss you. Patti I am here for you anytime, anyplace please ask for any help you need. Thank you for being my friend! Love you, Sandy
Mary O'NEILL
February 5, 2021
Wow, I am in shock having heard about Gary's passing, I'm sure he fought this dreaded disease with all his might. Heartfelt condolences to Patti, Kristen and the whole family. I am grateful for the fun times we shared with our pals Pete and Sam. I know how much he loved his family and hope your memories will comfort you through these difficult days and beyond
Mary O'Neill and Terry Austin
Michael & Helga Cherrybon
February 5, 2021
Patti, we were very sad to hear of Gary’s passing. We always enjoyed getting together with you guys and having some great laughs. Our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
Susan Morrow
February 5, 2021
Dear Patti, Kristin, Tim, Jaxon and Ava~
It boggles my mind and heart that I am even writing on this page!! We all were blessed to have had Gary in our lives and grieve deeply for our loss. It happened too soon for us, but our Dear Gary, as Kristin said, has earned his wings.
May you find peace in knowing he loved you deeply and left memories that will be with you always.
Well done, good and faithful servant.
Dean joins me in sending you all love, Susan
Dean Bader
February 5, 2021
Aunt Patti and Kristen: May you find comfort in knowing that warm thoughts and sympathy are with you. Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this time of sorrow. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love Dean, Barb, Kyler, Erin and Deano
Bill Bader
February 5, 2021
My brother was a great husband, a great father, a great grandfather and a great brother. I love him and I miss him. I miss the Sunday morning phone conversations when we solved the worlds problems. Brother Gary lived a full life with part of his philosophy being "As I pass by this way, I will try to do some good, for I shall never pass by this way again." My brother is a believer and his life was based on John 11:25-26, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die." It is hard for us believers to see good people die and we sometimes ask why. But in the end is eternal life, the greatest gift God can give us. Brother, I'll be down that road in the future and I'll be with you again. Our deepest sympathy to Patti, Kristin & family. Bill & Berni
Kelly Gerson
February 5, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I am so sorry for your loss. I have many wonderful memories of Gary. He was kind, funny, caring and truly one of a kind.
Monica D
February 4, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Gary always made me smile and taught me that he wasn’t sure which of these kept him sober; getting on his knees every morning to pray, going to meetings, sponsoring and sponsees, working the 12 steps, etc. so he wasn’t going to stop any of those “just in case”. ❤
Randy Pryor
February 3, 2021
So sad to hear of Gary´s passing. Good friend and colleague. Will miss our talks. Rest In Peace my friend. God bless Patti and the entire family during this time.
Barb Waterman
February 3, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss, Bader Family. I knew Gary from our days at Harbison-Walker Refractories. He was a smart and funny man. We had quite a few serious discussions and laughs at our HWR gatherings. May his soul Rest In Peace and the Lord Jesus Christ fill your hearts with all of your wonderful memories. Blessings.
February 3, 2021
Dear Patti and Kristin - We have fond memories of the times we shared when you lived close to us in the South Hills, at Valleybrook and with Kristin at Deer Valley. We are very sorry to learn of Gary's passing and extend our deepest sympathy.
Pete and Pat Troell
Darlene Castelluci
February 2, 2021
Dear Patti,
May you find comfort in knowing that warm thoughts and sympathy are with you. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this time of sorrow. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Darlene
February 2, 2021
Patti-- we are so saddened by your loss...although we hadn't known him long, he sure made quite an impression on us. What a character he was, and so much fun to be with. Loved listening to him tell a story...and he spoke so lovingly and proudly about his grandchildren and you! What a great guy...he surely will be missed. Praying for you and your beautiful family, may the God of all comfort put His arms around all of you during this time go grieving. God bless your family... Much love-- Rick and Catherine Tepper
Victor Imgarten
February 1, 2021
Sorry for your and the family's loss, a true nice guy. Positive thoughts to all.
Tom and Deborah Struharik
February 1, 2021
Patti, we are so very sorry to hear of your loss at the passing of Gary. He was an unforgettable, unique man whom we will never forget. The love you shared together for so many years was such a wonderful gift from God! We pray He gives you strength and watches over you and your family. Sincerely,
Tom and Deborah Struharik
JoAnn Kresko
February 1, 2021
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. I will look over your beloved wife!!!
David and Ellen Bartin
February 1, 2021
Dear Patti, There is much to admire about your and Gary's marriage together. Ellen and I offer our deepest sympathy and prayers for Gary, you, and family. God Bless and Pokój!
Alex Patton
February 1, 2021
Patti and family, I was so shocked and saddened to hear of your dear Gary’s passing. I will keep you in my prayers.
Allison Vetde- Haum
February 1, 2021
Oh Patti I'm deeply sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Much love, Allison
Michelle & Jeff Kelly
February 1, 2021
We will miss our long-time friend and neighbor, Gary, and the great talks we shared together outside on our driveways. May his soul rest in Christ’s peace.
Belinda May
February 1, 2021
Sending gratitude for the remarkable and inspiring Gary B, and love and sympathy to Patti and family
Belinda May
Larry & Pat Rowden
February 1, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers to Pattie and the Bader Family.
Lesley Wandling
February 1, 2021
Patti, my heartfelt condolences to you and the family.
Randy Baratka
February 1, 2021
God Bless your family in this time of loss and sorrow. We are sorry for your loss after so many years together. May you find peace in time and a greater understanding of God's plan for you.
Patty & Ed Cuccio
January 31, 2021
God broke the mold with Gary.... he was one of a kind. He loved Patti and his family dearly and was grateful for his AA family with every fiber of his being. He taught us how to live life on life's terms and he loved us all through thick and thin. He gave us hope in our struggles....He cheered us on for our blessings. He was considered an old timer-because of the wisdom and knowledge that he gained over the years ( and he knew a lot of stuff!) which he shared with all of us. Ed and I will be forever grateful for his friendship. Gary will be so missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Patti and family. We love you!
Michael Swafford
January 31, 2021
Gary was a powerful example of recovery in action for the rest of us. A little gruff at times on the outside, a kind and gentle soul on the inside. He was greatly loved and admired in our Saturday morning Home Group. Gary will be greatly missed and always remembered!
Sari Grossman Mandresh
January 31, 2021
Patti, It´s been such a long time. I´m so sorry about Gary´s passing.
Wishing you peace and comfort in his memory.
Paul&Debbie Valenti
January 31, 2021
Patti
Gary was a true lifelong friend and we first met playing little league baseball together in the Rocks. Our friendship carried on thru high school, our work careers and retirement. Gary was one wonderful human being who was kind, thoughtful, compassiont and a person who went out his to help people as was shown in his support of the AA program. I loved Gary as a tremendous true friend and will miss him more than I can say. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Den Boes
January 31, 2021
My sincere condolences. Gary had a true honest desire to help anyone in need, and did just that with his knowledge, experience, strength, and hope. He mentored and helped so many people with their lives. Loved to hear him share, and his comments on sanity were always thought provoking. He will be truly missed but his words and knowledge will live on and continue to help others to become better people. I thank him for, and will always cherish his personal comforting and encouraging words.
Bob Zitelli
January 31, 2021
Dear Patti and Family,
Please accept my prayers & deepest sympathy at this time. There are so many great memories I hold in my heart of Gary. His family & mine were next door neighbors growing up. He will always be a big brother to me in so many ways. "True friends are like stars in the sky. Every time you look up you'll know they'll always be there." RIP my brother. Bob Zitelli, McKees Rocks, PA
Mary Ann Rudloff
January 31, 2021
Gary, you will be missed by legions of friends and relatives whose lives you touched.
A consummate supporter of AA, quick to be of service, and always faithful to the traditions.
Rest In Peace, Gary. Thank you for the many years of dedication you gave so freely to those in need.
My sincere sympathy to Patti and the family. God bless you all, you are in my prayers.
Lory and Michael Mueller
January 31, 2021
Passionate. Loyal. One of a kind. We will so miss that lovable curmudgeon! Love and hugs to the whole family.
Greg Sumon
January 31, 2021
I Met Gary recently when he joined the St Louis Chapter of the National Corvette Restorers Society. He had purchased a beautiful 1962 Corvette and was interested in learning about the car. Having some knowledge about 1962 Corvettes I started a friendship which is cut short by this horrible COVID pandemic. Gary is truly a memorable personality who loved life. My condolences to all who will miss him.
Mary Nigh
January 31, 2021
Heart of gold. Honest. Sincere. Willingness to share his experience, strength and hope. No nonsense. Spiritually inspiring man of God.
Thank you Gary for sharing your message with me. You have to share it, to keep it. God bless. Until we meet again.
Paul and Debbie Valenti
January 31, 2021
Patti
Gary was a true lifelong friend and we first met playing little league baseball together. Our frienship carried on through high school, work and retirement. Gary was a wonderful, kind and compassionate person who helped many people out through his AA support. I loved Gary and will miss him and our long talks and conversations. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Damien Flaherty
January 30, 2021
Dear Patti and Family,
Please accept my condolances on your loss and my thanks for having shared your husband, father and grandfather with so many - he loved you all very much and spoke with great pride when he shared tales of joyous occasions with you all. Many of us in the AA fellowship consider him an integral part of our family as well. He shared his experience, strength and hope with countless members of our group - I am personally forever in his debt and will pass on the lessons learned - he will be greatly missed - may he rest in peace.
Tom & Sam Brooke
January 30, 2021
May you Rest In Peace my friend...we’ll never forget you, my favorite neighbor.
Linda & Gary Musto
January 30, 2021
Dear Patti and family,
We are so blessed to have known Gary all these years . What a great gentleman he was and there will never be another one like him.
We will miss his wit, charm and kindness. He built such a beautiful life for his family and left behind lasting memories that can never be forgotten . Our favorite memory of him is emceeing your fabulous air show parties. You were his world and he was so proud of all of you.
Farewell our dear friend. You will be terribly missed.
Love,
Linda & Gary
Janice Poluha
January 30, 2021
Dear Patti, I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know, I will always be here to lend a shoulder when ever you need me. Rest in peace Gary. You are in my prayers.
Andy Emery
January 30, 2021
Gary has been a true friend for so many years. His passion for life and the program were admirable. He has helped so many with his experience, strength, and hope. My thoughts and prayers are with you Patti and your family.
Judy & Tim Carpenter McLain
January 30, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
John Harries
January 30, 2021
I am going to miss my lunches with Gary. He was a selfless friend who was always willing to be of service to me and so many others. May God be with Patty and his loving family.
Rita Keene
January 30, 2021
Patty, I am so sorry for your loss! I know the two of you had a beautiful life together. Hopefully time will heal this deep loss in your life. Rest assured, your family and many friends will be there for you.
Maddy McClintock
January 30, 2021
Sympathy to Patti and family. Gary was quite a guy. I have many fun high school memories of him and Patti.
This has happened far too soon from a terrible virus! So unfortunate.
Prayers....Maddy McClintock (Madeline Hober)
Margaret Almasy
January 30, 2021
Patty, Ed and I were sad to hear about Gary’s death. I’ve known him since grade school. He always was a larger than life man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family . My husband Ed always enjoyed talking with Gary at our reunions. Wishing you strength and love during time.
Ed and Margaret (Desiderio) Almasy
MARK STANLEY
January 30, 2021
Gary has had a profound impact on me and my life. Gary always looked to help others and had tons of wisdom, hope, and experience to share with me. My deepest condolences to you Patti and your family.
Bob Niznik
January 30, 2021
Dear Patti, so sorry to hear about Gary, a kid I knew since the first grade. He was a generous person and I enjoyed seeing him at the class reunions. Please, Patti, remember the wonderful things about him to get you through this tough period In your life. Class of ‘63 Bob Niznik
Patricia wilson demark
January 30, 2021
So sorry on the loss of your beloved Gary. I'm so glad I got to see you two at out last class reunion.
My prayers are with your entire family. Much love and well wishes.
John Petro
January 30, 2021
Dear Patti,
I'm so sorry to hear about Gary. My heart goes out to you and your family. I know he will be missed very much.
John Petro
Barb Lewellen
January 30, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Jimmy "bag of donuts" Bullotta
January 30, 2021
Bader, my buddy. I miss him. Gary and his beautiful wife Patti, welcomed my girlfriend Barb and I into their lives. We were lucky enough to spend some dinners and happy hours together. And even got to meet some of their friends at the Airshow party. What a guy and what a lady he married. Barb and I have been lighting candles for you both. And I talked to my lost loved ones - I told them to look out for the new Guy showing up. The one with the big white mustache. and the big heart to match. Miss you Bro!!
sandy layton
January 30, 2021
Gary was a wonderful Family man full of life
He will be so missed by his Family and Friends
Steve Cole
January 30, 2021
A true gentle giant
Rolf & Jeanne Fredriksen
January 30, 2021
When I met Gary I was a rookie salesman in 1974 in Baltimore, I realized immediately he was special and he served as a mentor to me in the years since. He was one of the finest people I've ever met in my life and the best salesman whose concern for his business and customers was never ending. If you were lucky to be a friend of his, his loyalty and care was boundless. The world will miss him sorely. I'm certain he's still selling some urgent issues for the Lord in his new role. Our sincerest condolences to Patti, Kristin and the whole family.
Tom Carroll
January 29, 2021
One of my favorite tough guys on the planet. So honored to have known you and have meaningful conversations with you. I love You brother. My condolences to my friend Patti and family. We all carry a piece of Gary with us.
Mitzi Pasch
January 29, 2021
Gary was such an amazing man who loved his family and friends fiercely. He was so dedicated to his family, his sobriety, and his work. Passionate is a great way to descibe Gary. He will forever be remembered for the joy and laughter he brought into my life. I am so grateful for the beautiful family he has left behind that I will love and care for as best I can. Thank you Gary for what you gave me and we will be talking all the time. Watch out for all of us you have left down here, you know we need the help.
Love you!
Ralph Morgan
January 29, 2021
As passionate an AA member as I’ve ever met. May God bless and rest his soul.
Gregory Wilson
January 29, 2021
Gary, was an individual that was larger than life could offer. He was passionate about helping his friends, family and anyone in need. He was loved and respected by many individuals. The good Lord has a strong angel to help him fight the good fight.
Michelle Bond
January 29, 2021
For Gary, he will be missed dearly
Kathy and Todd Zaun
January 29, 2021
Dearest Patti,
Gary was truly one-of-a-kind. His love for you and Kristin, Tim, and the kids was always so obvious whenever he mentioned any of you. He was so proud of you all.
I cannot imagine the void he has left in your hearts. Such a kind, funny, endearing man will never be forgotten. You are in our hearts and prayers.
Todd and Kathy Zaun
Kevin Sherwin
January 29, 2021
Gary - loved by everyone in so many ways . How blessed I was to know you and your wonderful smile and kindness. Heaven has a new angel.
Jack & Kathy Burik
January 29, 2021
Dear Patti, We never met Gary, but our brother John Zawinski (passed away June 3, 2020) always appreciated his thoughtful support and continued friendship throughout the years. Our sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Jack and Kathy Burik
Pete and Maureen Wikete
January 29, 2021
A perfect description of Gary's many successes in life, in his marriage, in his devotion to his daughter and grandchildren, in his business
achievements. In addition Gary extended his friendship to so many, always bringing great humor, interesting conversation and emphatic opinions to the elegant dinner table that Patti provided. God certainly will enjoy His newest entrant into the heavenly abode.
Nancy Pile
January 29, 2021
Dear Patti,
I did not know Gary, but my brother John, who passed away last June, spoke so highly of you both. Gary’s friendship and support was deeply appreciated. May he Rest In Peace.
Sincerely,
Nancy Z. Pile
Ed Holthaus
January 29, 2021
Patty, Kristin, Tim, I’m sorry for your loss. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.
Joe Witkowski
January 29, 2021
Dear Patti and family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy and prayers of consolation. Gary was a truly generous soul whose steadfast hand of sponsorship and friendship saved so many other souls. We will miss him unimaginably but be ever grateful that we had the privilege to call him our friend. From his heavenly window seat, May he guide us in the path of his example of goodness and inspire our beloved Steelers back to glory. Grace and peace to you, we are always here for you.
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Feb
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Funeral service
10:00 a.m.
Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory - Ballwin14960 Manchester Road, Ballwin, MO 63011
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Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory - Ballwin14960 Manchester Road, Ballwin, MO 63011
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