Obituary: Patrick James Mader

It is very difficult to say good-bye to an amazing person who has touched our lives. Patrick James Mader, age 55, left us Jan. 11, 2017. His smile and hugs will be missed.

Pat was born Feb. 6, 1961, in Great Falls to Benjamin and Agnes (Richter) Mader. He was the youngest of five children. He graduated CMR High School, Class of 1979. He continued his education at Montana State University-Northern where he received a degree in business administration. Active in student government, he served as student body president.

Pat married Kathy (Hanger) and started a family of four children. This union did not last, but Pat remained an amazing father. Pat volunteered at the kids' school and soon became a teacher's aide. This inspired a career change, he returned to Northern to earn a degree in elementary education/special ed.

A second marriage, to LoisAnn (Nichols), added another child. With five children Pat was a supportive father surrounding his children with love and support. Times were tough with Pat's health, but his children have the priceless gift of his time. He burst with pride sharing the kids' many interests, hobbies and endeavors. Pat's four-legged furry friends held a very special place in his life.

Pat married Laurie (Harrell) July 13, 2013. With this union, Pat became a father to her children. Pat and Laurie left Havre to return to her home in Huntington, Indiana, for employment. He passed away there.

Pat worked for many years at Quality Life Concepts as an autism specialist. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed woodworking and photography.

Patrick is preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Eugene, and niece Tiffany. He is survived by his wife, Laurie, Huntington, Indiana; Mader children, Benjamin (Lindsey); Colby (Kelsie), and Nicholas, Havre, Kendra (Joshua), Yuma, Arizona, and Ashley, Tempe, Arizona; Harrell children, Christopher (Irene), California, Stacy, Albion, Indiana, Rene, Andrews, Indiana, Annie Rose and Zachary, Huntington, Indiana; grandchildren, Chason, Peyton and Reece, Havre, Kora and Kai, Yuma, Arizona, Deven and Olivia, Andrews, Indiana; Kaiden, Albion, Indiana; siblings, Calvin, LaVergne, Tennessee, Debbie Kirby (Randy), Great Falls, and Cindy (Brien) McCrea, Woodinville, Washington. Pat was wonderful uncle, especially for his niece HeatherChi Kirby, Everett, Washington.

Patrick spread his love to so many, one celebration is not enough. A memorial service will be held in Huntington, Indiana. Details are pending, please check the Bailey Love Funeral Home website for details at http://www.baileylove.com.

A memorial celebration will be held Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017, at 11 a.m. at the Fifth Avenue Christian Church, Havre, Montana, with a luncheon to follow.

A memorial fund has been established at the Bear Paw Credit Union in Havre under Patrick's name. It will be used to help with funeral expenses and any remaining balance will be donated to Beaver Creek Park.