Fred I. Rader

Fred Isaac Rader, 93 of Rockford passed away June 27, 2014 at his home. Born January 15, 1921 in Greeneville, TN, he was the son of the late Homer and Dessie Rader. He was the husband of the late Gladys Keeler whom he married in 1950.

A WWII Army Air Corp. Medical Technician, Fred served in the following battles and campaigns; Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe, Ardennes, and Air Offensive Europe. In 1985 he retired from Barber Colman after many years of employment.

Known as the “Berry Man”, Fred loved gardening.

Survivors include his daughters, Barbara Rader and Ruth Ann (Joseph) LaSalla; grandchildren, Edward (Julie A.) Rader and Kelly Otts; step grandchildren, Joanna (Casey) Williams and Alexandria LaSalla; great grandchildren, Joseph and Jody Fletcher, Lyric Tucker, and Sandra Mae Rader; brother, Ray (Helen) Rader; and many other relatives and friends.

Predeceased by his wife, parents, and sisters, Ruby Weems and Ida Ruth Million

Funeral service 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2014, at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park. Visitation one hour prior to service. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be submitted at sunsetfhmemgardens.com