William J. Bader

William John “Bill” Bader, 84, of St. Libory, died peacefully Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, at Howard County Medical Center.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Worms. The Rev. Craig Niemeier will officiate. Burial will be in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery at Worms. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church.

Memorials are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church or Central Nebraska Lutheran Schools.

Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul is assisting the family.

William was born on June 20, 1941, to Henry and Helen (Bruns) Bader. He was born at home, assisted by Esther Lamm, and baptized into the Christian faith at Zion Lutheran Church in Worms.

He grew up on the family farm in St. Libory as one of ten children and attended Zion Lutheran School through eighth grade, later being confirmed at the church. He graduated from St. Paul High School in 1959. Shortly after graduation, he traveled to Europe with the “People to People” program sponsored by President Eisenhower, visiting farms both behind the Iron Curtain and throughout other parts of Europe.

Bill lived on the family farm his entire life. Over the years, summers on the farm became a training ground for many fortunate nephews.

He was united in marriage to Andrea Brown on June 13, 1971, in Burwell. Together they raised three children — Daryl, Jared, and Holly — whom Bill called his “three miracles.” Bill and Andrea enjoyed 54 years together.

Bill enjoyed raising longhorn cattle and watching his children’s involvement in 4-H. He was deeply interested in the history of the area and was chiefly responsible for securing Tom Osborne to speak for the Historical Society in Osborne’s hometown of St. Paul. He also collected stories about the history of the area around Zion Lutheran Church and enjoyed a memorable trip to Australia with his daughter, Holly. In 2024, he received the Aksarben 100 Year Family Farm Award for “Shady Rest Farm.”

He served in the National Guard and held numerous positions at Zion Lutheran Church over the years.

Bill especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, Grace, Daniel, and Nathan, and attending their school and sports activities. He had a gentle way with animals, earning the nickname “cattle whisperer” from his sister — who noted he was even better at it than their dad.

He is survived by his wife, Andrea; children Daryl (Ranelle) Bader of St. Libory, Jared (Tamara) Bader of Tempe, AZ, and Holly Bader of Lorton, VA; sisters Betty Rasch of Denton, TX, Carol Stephan of River Falls, WI; and sister-in-law Marilyn Bader of St. Paul. He is also survived by grandchildren Grace, Daniel, and Nathan, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Harry, David, Ted, and Henry; sisters June Tewes, Lois Watt, and Joan Vetter; brothers-in-law Kevin Brown, Walter Rasch, Everett Watt, Eugene Vetter, and Tom Stephan; and sister-in-law Florence Bader.