Clarence E. Bader Jr., 73, of Machesney Park, Illinois, passed away on November 2, 2026, after being diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer from Acid Reflux in July of this year. Clarence was born on May 20, 1953, in Rockford, to Clarence Bader Sr. and biological mother, Mary Bader. Clarence was blessed to have been given his stepmother, Martha, who truly raised him with love and as her own. In 1971, he graduated from Harlem High School. Through the earlier years, he worked at Hollywood Restaurant, WF and John Barnes, and Wilson Tools, but eventually ended up at Sundstrand. In his various roles there, Clarence found the most important one to be a mentor to new generations coming in. Being a second-generation employee there, he found himself teaching his friends’ children. He even got the privilege of training his daughter, Kristie, as a third-generation employee at Sundstrand.
Clarence was a pillar to his family, as he raised two daughters as a single father. Although he was always working hard, he always found the time to be present in their lives. Clarence was the best example of what love, compassion, and strength looked like in a man. As he got older, he earned the best promotion of becoming a grandfather and great-grandfather. He kept up in all their lives and was there for every single event, no matter what.
He also had a special love for playing softball and golf, as well as riding his bike. Clarence loved to play his guitar, especially if his friends were there to play with. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 392, as well as the UAW Local 592 with Sundstrand.
He is survived by his daughters, Vanessa (Brian) Beair and Kristie Bader; grandchildren, Brett Bader, Brooke (Lonnie) Bader, Joshua (Kelsey) Cooper, and Lazarus (Alyssa) Beair; great-grandchildren, Isaac, Jesiah, Baylee, Mason, Madilyn, Makenna, and Lyla; loving companion for over 40 years, Mary Yoder, as well as her family; siblings, Leroy (Rose) Bader, Sandra (Craig) Olson, Jerry (Joanne) Woods, and Larry Woods; many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Sr. and Martha Bader; sister, Diane Newman.
The family would like to thank Assisting Hands and Northern Illinois Hospice for their unwavering love and care during this time. The family would also like to share that Clarence passed away from an undetectable form of cancer, and we would ask our friends and family to please take care of your health, and always advocate for yourself should you feel something is wrong.
