Richard A. Mader

Richard Allen Mader, 88, was born on November 27, 1936, in Appleton and “born again” in 1975 when he committed his life to Jesus Christ. He left this earth to enter his eternal home on October 26, 2025.

Dick graduated from Appleton West High School and, in 1960, married Shirley Hietpas. He retired from American Can Company in Neenah after a 47-year career in the printing department. Dick enjoyed coaching his sons’ grade school basketball teams and was a big fan of the Packers, Brewers and Badgers. One of his greatest joys was watching his children and grandchildren play sports across the country. He enjoyed playing cards and board games, fishing and spending time with his family.

He passionately loved Jesus and boldly led, loved, and cared for his wife and family. Dick was a deeply devoted husband to Shirley for more than 65 years. He was an exceptional dad, daily praying Psalm 91 over his entire family, calling out each of their names before his Heavenly Father. He leaves behind a great legacy of faith: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

If you knew Dick, he would ask if you knew Jesus. A faithful member of First Assembly of God / Hope Church for 44 years, he taught Sunday School, served as a church deacon and elder, and was a spiritual mentor to many. We dearly love him, will miss him and look forward to the day we’ll be reunited in heaven… “and that sort of thing.”

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; sons Craig (Bari), Michael (Beth), and David (Wendy); daughters Doreen (Terry) Trombley and Michelle (Lee) Talbott; and daughter-in-law Jeanne. He was preceded in death by his son, Daniel, in December 1994. 

He is further survived by 17 grandchildren: Caleb (Kajsa) and Spencer (Emily) Mader; Isiah (Paige), Noah (Colleen), and Samuel (Tierney) Mader; Timothy and Tanner Trombley; Leela, Solomon, Theo, and Cyrus Talbott; Brooke, Lauren and Luke Mader; Mason, Violet and Dottie Mader; six great-grandchildren, Ellie, Leo, Anja, Mila, Georgia and Hallie; and in-laws Gerald and Rita Hietpas, Gilbert and Mary Hietpas, Vincent and Cheri Hietpas, Terri and Richard Schlack, Glenn Hietpas and Barb Romnek.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, Sylvester and Eleanor (Stingle) Mader; brothers, Norman and Robert; and in-laws, Joseph and Marie (VandeCorput) Hietpas.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Dick’s life on Saturday, November 8, at Valley Funeral Home (2211 N. Richmond St., Appleton). Visitation will begin at 9 a.m., with a service to follow at 11 a.m., officiated by Pastor Bruce Dailey. Dick will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery, Appleton.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of The Heritage, Heritage CBRF, and ThedaCare Hospice for their compassionate care.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.