Gary Ader

Gary B. Ader was born to Francis and Bonnie (Jensen) Ader May 13, 1938 at home on a farm in Weston, Wisconsin. As a child he moved to Menomonie, Wisconsin with his family where he attended elementary, high school and later Stout University. Gary began his working career with Western Electric and Thermal King. In 1961, Gary and his young family relocated to Eden Prairie, Minnesota where he worked for Rosemount Engineering designing ski equipment. In 1971, he relocated his family to Spirit Lake, Iowa, working in Research and Development for Berkley/Pure Fishing. Gary married Jo Ann (Weaver/Craig) on January 27, 1978. They resided in Spirit Lake for the remainder of Gary's life. Gary was a man of many talents, some may call it jack-of-all-trades, but Gary took this phrase to a higher bar. Gary had a passion for projects involving problem solving and/or inventive ways of creating a solution. Gary loved to collect and rebuild Cushman scooters. When he wasn't tinkering with his projects, he was watching NASCAR. His latest project was rebuilding a 1965 King Midget. Gary enjoyed his volunteer job as a trail rider with Seniors in Law Enforcement (S.A.L.T). He loved handing out free ice cream cone coupons to all the little children on the trail. Gary had a helping hand in so many of the lives he touched. He was a truly good man and will be greatly missed by all. Gary loved to collect and rebuild Cushman scooters. When he wasn't tinkering with his projects, he was watching NASCAR. His latest project was rebuilding a 1965 King Midget. Gary enjoyed his volunteer job as a trail rider with Seniors in Law Enforcement (S.A.L.T). He loved handing out free ice cream cone coupons to all the little children on the trail. Gary is survived by his wife Jo Ann; daughter Carmen (Terry) Wiese, Spirit Lake; sons Chris (Rebekah) Ader, Trout Lake, Washington, Craig Ader, Milford, Iowa, Mark (Lisa) Craig, Lincoln, Nebraska, Ted Craig of Lake Stevens, Washington; grandchildren Chad (Amanda) Carney, Candace (Kurt) Jauer, Rhianna (Robert) Hanks, Holliann Ader, Zacchary Ader, Lily Craig; great-grandchildren Mallory and Madilyn Carney, Chasen Jauer; sister Irene Hosford and brother Vern (June) Ader. He was preceded in death by his parents.