John Bader

John Robert Bader, 60, of Traverse City, died Tuesday, September 19, 2023. He was born on March 30, 1963 in Saginaw, the son of Robert Gerald and Nancy Lee (Buxman) Bader. John attended Swan Valley High School in Shields, Michigan.

John previously worked as a Rollerman in Asphalt in Saginaw and Traverse City, Dow Chemical in Midland, Lautner Irrigation in Traverse City and later owned, Bader Irrigation. His clients loved him and he made close friends of them. He loved to spend time with his clients Dogs and Horses. He loved all animals and as a child trained Horses with his uncle.

John was a member of the Christ Community Church of Traverse City. He and Gail volunteered at the church mowing the lawn, doing yardwork and cleaning. John regularly helped church members with tasks and odd jobs. He was a very giving man. One of John’s most proudest achievements was working as a contracted civilian employee for Homeland Security as a deckhand in assisting United States Coast Guard, Traverse City in there training operations.

He was an extremely talented man and Jack of all Trades. John was known for his great sense of humor. John loved being with people and people were drawn to him and loved him back.

The family would like to thank the many Doctors and Nurses at Munson Medical Center and the Nurses and Aides on A3 for the great care John recently received from them. The Nurses loved to take care of him.

John is survived by his wife, Gail (Harger) Bader; they were connected by their humor and were married December 16, 2008 in Traverse City; son, Brett (Jenna) Bader of Bay City; grandson, Jett Bader; siblings, Tina (Bob Carroll) Parks, Roberta Hemingway and Wendy Shephard all of Saginaw; beloved nieces and nephews; step-mother, Connie Bader; father-in-law, Caroll Harger, brothers-in-law, Michael Harger and Paul (Barb) Harger.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Nancy; mother-in-law, Lucille Harger and brothers-in-law, Tom Parks and Jim Hemingway.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Addiction Treatment Services, Traverse City.

A Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 pm, Saturday, September 30, 2023 at the Christ Community Church of Traverse City, Oak St and 7th Street. The family will greet friends starting at 1:00 pm. A luncheon will follow at the Salvation Army, 1239 Barlow St. Private burial will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery, Grawn. Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts.