Gerald Rader Obituary

Gerald I. Rader

Gerald I. Rader, 92, of Findlay, died peacefully Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, at Bay Bluffs Emmett County Medical Care Facility in Harbor Springs, Michigan.

He was born July 9, 1932, in Findlay, to Gerald A. and Catherine C. (Crates) Rader, and was raised in Findlay. Gerald was an only child, but was blessed with a cousin and good friend, Fred Crates, as well as a foster brother, Bob Berger.

Following high school graduation, he attended Bowling Green State University, majoring in accounting and minoring in finance. At BGSU, he was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, sold ads for the Key Club (which gave him access to his car), and enlisted in the Army ROTC.

He graduated from BGSU on June 4, 1954. Gerald married Nancy Lou Metcalf, whom he had met on a blind double date in college, on June 5, 1954, at First Methodist Church in Ashtabula, as she was attending summer school at BGSU. Gerald began work at Ohio Oil Company on the 14th. Nancy completed her student teaching in Findlay before they left for his active Army duty, which Gerald served in both Oklahoma and Maryland. Following his Army service, he returned to work at Ohio Oil (which became Marathon Oil Co.), ultimately becoming the manager of the foreign tax department. Professionally, Gerald was a member of American Petroleum Institute and past President of Toledo Tax Forum. He traveled frequently to London, Nigeria, the Middle East, and Asia.

In 1984, he built a summer home (his son Timothy was project manager) on Black Lake outside of Cheboygan, Michigan, where his entire family vacationed. Gerald loved to fish by drifting across Black Lake while listening to Tigers baseball on the radio, especially when Ernie Harwell was calling the games.

Gerald supported BGSU his entire life, attending not only their athletic events, but supporting development activities as a member of Falcon Club Advisory Board. He was past President of Findlay Exchange Club and long-time member of both the Findlay Elks and Country Clubs. He was a past Treasurer, President, and Director of Indian River Golf Club.

A long-time member of Faith Presbyterian Church in Findlay, he taught Sunday School, led the counting team, chaired the Church Session, served as Church Treasurer, and more.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy of Findlay; daughter, Pamela (Howard) Hull of Coniston, Cumbria, U.K.; son, Mark (Susan) Rader of Spring Valley, Minnesota; son, Timothy (Laura) Rader of Villa Rica, Georgia; grandchildren, Kyle (Kristina) Rader, Joel (Younji Choi) Rader, Austin Rader, and Olivia Rader; four great-grandchildren, Emmalyn Rader, Ellison Rader, Joshua Rader, and Ari Rader; and two sisters-in-law, Janice deRidder of Geneva and Joyce Metcalf of Ellenton, Florida.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; foster brother, Bob Berger; and two brothers-in-law.

Gerald's memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at Faith Presbyterian Church, 700 E. Melrose Avenue, Findlay. Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Saturday at the church.

HUFFORD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 1500 Manor Hill Rd., Findlay, 419-422-1500, is honored to serve Gerald's family.

In Gerald's honor, memorial donations can be made to Faith Presbyterian Church, 700 E. Melrose Ave., Findlay, Ohio, 45840, or to a cause of your choice.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.huffordfh.com.