Ernst Ernie Leroy Rader

Ernie was born in Springfield on February 23, 1927 the son of Homer A. and Allie C. (Conner) Rader. He married Esther Stevens on October 14, 1950 in Springfield; she preceded him in death in October 11, 2008.He was also preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Walter and Kenneth Rader.

Ernie was a 1945 graduate of Springfield High School. He liked people and enjoyed talking with everyone. He served in the United States Army from 1945 to 1947 at the end of WWII. He enjoyed traveling and has been to every state. He was a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service for thirty-six years and retired in 1987. He was a hard worker who loved his church and family. He was an active member of the Southern View Chapel and an avid sports fan, closely following the St. Louis Cardinals and the Illini. He enjoyed stamp collecting, reading, working jigsaw puzzles and the daily crossword puzzle. Ernie was an extra-ordinary man, well-loved and a friend to all, who thought of himself as nothing more than ordinary.

He is survived by one sister, Norma Jean Murphy husband Tom of Hernando, Florida; his children Gloria Rader, husband Nick Stojakovich, and Donald Rader, wife Sheri, all of Springfield; three grandchildren Karen Olewiler husband Daniel of Valencia, CA, Sarah and Michael Rader both of Springfield.

Visitation will be 4:00 pm to 7:00 Monday, January 31, 2011 at Bisch and Son Funeral Home 505 E. Allen Springfield, IL. Funeral services will be 10:30 am Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at Southern View Chapel, 4500 South 2nd St. with Reverend Gary Gilley officiating. Burial will follow in Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield.

Memorials may be made to Southern View Chapel or Brazil Gospel Fellowship Mission.