Delores Minnie Rader

Dee enjoyed 95 years of life and would often say that she was here until God was ready for her. On March 21, 2025, God wanted her and set her free.

Delores Minnie Rader was born on January 26, 1930, in West Bend, Iowa to Ernest and Tillie Rabe Bleuer. She was baptized and confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church in West Bend, Iowa. Dee attended school and graduated from Rodman, Iowa in 1947. She often joked with everyone that she received an award for being the best singer in her graduating class; even though there were only 8 in the class. She had a standing offer to sing at all her nieces’ and nephews’ weddings. Unfortunately, no one took her up on her offer.

Dee married Donald Duane Rader on February 2, 1960, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Mankato. Early on in their marriage they lived in several states as Don worked on a construction crew. They lived for many years in LaGrange, Illinois before moving to Mankato in August 1971. They separated shortly after, and Dee became a single parent. That didn’t stop her from providing the best care she could for her sons. She worked at Midtex and then Midwest Electric until 1991.

Dee enjoyed her retirement. She traveled, took trips to the Casino and she still enjoyed cooking (especially her candies at Christmas) for her family. Her greatest joy was spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. She always had Teddy Grahams at her house, hence her grandchildren giving her the nickname “Ted”.

Dee is proceeded in death by her parents, Donald and all her siblings.

Dee is survived by sons, Duane (Becca) Rader; Dennis (Kelly) Rader; Grandchildren Chessa (Angie) Rader; Ryan (Sammi Cowger) Rader; Sara (Scott) Klasen; and Alex (Chelsea Palmateer). Great Grandchildren Jordan, Alec, Madison, Dylan, Greta, Rocky, Frank, Rufus and Syd. Sister-in-law Betty Bleuer and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service will be 11:00 AM on March 27, 2025 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in North Mankato. Burial will be at Decoria Cemetery in rural Mapleton. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the Pathstone Memory Care Staff and Ecumen Hospice for their exceptional care and compassion. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Pathstone Ecumen Hospice.