Martin Mader

Martin Mader, 87, of Hastings, passed away Monday, February 22, 2021, at White Pines Assisted Living in Cottage Grove. Martin Donald Mader was born on December 13, 1933 in Antigo, Wisconsin, the son of Myron and Lucille (Parsons) Mader. After graduating from Antigo High School, Marty enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the Korean War. Upon receiving his honorable discharge, Marty attended the Spartan School of Aeronautics, where he received his Airframe and Powerplant mechanics certificate. In 1957, Marty married Lynn Beck, and they were blessed with four sons. The Maders settled in Hastings, which is where he taught his boys many wonderful qualities, including how to work, to enjoy and respect the outdoors, to be gentlemen, and to treat others with respect. Marty worked as an A&P Mechanic for his entire career, starting out with North Central Airlines, and later Republic Airlines, retiring as a Northwest Airlines mechanic at the age of 74. On June 11, 1981, Marty married Mary Jane Geissinger. Together, they enjoyed taking many bus trips all across the United States, most notably Bryce Canyon, Utah and Savannah, Georgia. They truly enjoyed each other’s company. Although he will be missed, Marty’s parting words of wisdom were: “I enjoyed my life and I worked, and I enjoyed it. I have been set free.” Marty and his boys enjoyed time fishing at the cabin with grandma and grandpa, driving his 1947 jeep, grouse hunting with Bob, Burley, and Mike, and collecting maple sap. Marty is survived by his wife, Mary Jane of River Falls, WI; four sons, Craig Mader of River Falls, Kent (Christy) Mader of Hastings, Cam (LeeAnn) Mader of Woodbury, and Brad (Sheri) Mader of Red Wing; grandchildren, Croix, Claire, Michael, Mitchell, Aaron, Ashlyn, and Max; a stepdaughter, Audrey Geissinger of River Falls; a brother, Wes (Char) Mader of Prior Lake, MN; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Marty was preceded in death by a brother, Myron “Mike” Mader; and his beloved German Shepherds, Greta I II III IV. Memorials are preferred to the American Legion Post #47, Hastings, MN. Visitation: 4 – 7 PM Monday, March 1, 2021, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel in Hastings, and one hour prior to services at the church. Memorial Service: 11 AM Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hastings, with Reverend Jon Zimpelmann officiating. For those unable to attend the service, a live stream will be available on the Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel Facebook page. Interment with Military Honors will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery Arrangements are being completed by the Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel in Hastings.