Robert J. Rader, 90, of Eau Claire, passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2012, at Mayo Clinic Health System. He was born in Rollingstone, MN, on May 3, 1921, the son of John and Florence (Sherman) Rader. Robert married Dorothy A. Zellner on June 9, 1951, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Waite Park, MN. He graduated from Holy Trinity High School in Rollingstone, MN. Robert enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp and served honorably during World War II, based in England. He worked as an optician in Winona, MN, Duluth, MN, Escanaba, MI, and Eau Claire. Robert worked for Benson Optical in Eau Claire until his retirement in 1985. Robert enjoyed many activities in his life including hunting, fishing, golf and baseball. He managed the Rollingstone baseball team that won the state championship in 1953. After retirement, he and his wife enjoyed traveling to Europe and throughout the United States visiting family and friends. Robert is survived by his wife, Dorothy; sons, Thomas (Susan), David (Gilma), and James (Susan); grandchildren, Jeffrey, Tracy, Jessica, Nicholas, Lucas, and Alex; brothers and sisters, Winifred, Isabelle, Dick, Steve (Connie), Mary (Bill), Shirley, Claire (Neil), Beatrice, Jean, and Jack (Judy); numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sons, Joseph and Ronald, both of whom died shortly after birth. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, January 21, 2012, at St. James the Greater Catholic Church, 2502 11th St. in Eau Claire, with Father John Schultz officiating. Burial will be in Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery, Rollingstone, MN, at a later date. Visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. James the Greater Catholic Church or a charity of the donor's choice.

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