Steven Shea Bader

Bader, Steven Shea (Age 80) died peacefully October 12, 2023, at his home in Woodland Park, Colorado surrounded by his family. He was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin to the late Shea Norbert and Edna (Raddatz) Bader. He is preceded in death by his brother William (Bill) Bader. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Jacquelyn (Jackie, nee McPeek) Bader, his children Shea (Virginia) Bader and Paige (Jeff) Graham, his grandchildren Aidan Graham, Charlie Bader, Shea Graham, and William Bader, and his brother Greg (Sandra) Bader. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Pat (John) Ford and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and received advanced degrees from the University of Chicago and Idaho State University. He was an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. Following his service as a minister in Maywood, Illinois, he dedicated his career to promoting college student learning beyond the classroom. He was a senior leader in student affairs at the University of Arkansas and East Tennessee State University (ETSU), the latter from which he retired in 2009 after 27 years of service. During his tenure, he made major contributions to the ETSU community. He helped improve student housing and safety, brought music and the arts to campus, strengthened intramural athletics, and promoted multicultural organizations, among various other endeavors. He taught adult Bible study for over 30 years as a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Johnson City, Tennessee.

A private memorial service will be held next Spring in Wisconsin. His family asks that, in lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to honor his memory may do so by contributing to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“All his questions have been answered.”

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