John Mader Obituary

John James Mader, age 85, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2025. Born on May 27, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, John lived a full and active life rooted in family, faith, friendship, and fierce Chicago sports loyalty. John James Mader was a sports fanatic! He loved baseball games with the Chicago White Sox, and a favorite was playing with his son Ken at the local little league teams. Basketball watching the Chicago Bulls win those five NBA Championships, football with the Chicago Bears, golf favorite Jack Nicklaus, hockey with the Chicago Blackhawks, and NASCAR Racing. John was also a tournament bowling professional with high game of 299, yes missed that perfect game by one pin. He loved to compete. He enjoyed his hand at the grill with steak and yes yearly a pig roast was always on the calendar. John enjoyed music, and gardening. John enjoyed carpentry, and for his daughter Debra built a deck patio for her first home in West Chicago, Illinois. He worked his career as superintendent over construction projects in downtown Chicago, and then retired. He enjoyed golfing the courses in Sun City West, Arizona and meeting new friends wherever he went. As husband, father, and grandfather he will be missed by all, but he is resting in peace and comfort with our Lord Jesus Christ, John's blessed Savior and Redeemer. John was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Clarence and Myrtle Mader; his son, Kenneth J. Mader; siblings Robert and Don Mader and sister Dorothy; sister-in-law Diane Schultz; and dear friend Robert Karlo. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Donna Joy Mader; daughter, Debra Joy Flickinger; grandchildren, Justin L. Flickinger and Jennifer J. Good; and great-grandchildren, Cole J. Flickinger, Bryce L. Flickinger, Kyrsten Good, and Kaylie Good. He is also survived by sister-in-law Iola Mader, brother-in-law Donald Pinc, daughter-in-law Joyce Mader, and treasured friends Linda Karlo, a high school friend, Bud and Michelle Billings, Karen Zima, and Marian Abing. John's legacy is one of love, laughter, loyalty, and a well-timed sports stat. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. He lived loud when cheering for his teams, loved fiercely when it came to his family, and grilled like a champion every chance he got. His was a life of purpose, humor, faith, and fierce loyalty. We'll carry his memory in our stories, our Sunday games, and every time the smell of a good barbecue fills the air. Here's to a life well played - and a man who always made it count.