Raymond Bader

Ray Bader passed away peacefully on May 13, 2016 at the home of his daughter in Denver, surrounded by family. He was born December 29, 1929 on a farm outside of Anamosa, Iowa, to Thomas N and Anna M (Oswald) Bader. He started school in a one-room school house in Fairview, and attended grade school in Martelle, Iowa, before moving to Cedar Rapids in 1942. He graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in 1946, where he excelled in basketball and baseball. In his first game as a pitcher, he threw a no-hitter. He later went on to play some semi-pro baseball.

Ray met Helen Pospisil in the summer of 1949. He served two years in the Army and was stationed in Japan during the Korean War. Upon his return, he married Helen on October 3, 1953.

They moved to Casper in 1957, where Ray began a 32 year career with Northern Utilities/Northern Gas Company, retiring in 1989. He was past president of the Casper Exchange Club, an advisor with Junior Achievement, and a life member of the Elks Club. Since 1957, Ray was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, where he was a lector and Eucharistic Minister. He was a driver for Meals on Wheels for 20 years after his retirement.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, four sisters, and his wife and infant daughter Theresa. He is survived by his daughter Cindy (Terry) Clarke of Denver; son Ray (Jill) of Casper; daughter Mary (David) Johnson of Lake Elmo, MN; son Don (Julie) of Redding, CA; daughter Julie (Mark) Shumate of Winter Haven, FL and by 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Friday, May 20, 2016 at Newcomer Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. Services will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Church on Saturday, May 21st, at 10am, with Father Robert Fox officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery with a reception to be held at his son's home, 3800 Plateau Place, Casper, WY, 82604.

Memorial contributions in Ray's honor may be made to Natrona County Meals on Wheels, 1760 East 12th Street, Casper, WY 82601, or to the cause nearest to your heart.

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