Michael L. Strader's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Michael Lee Strader, age 80 of Charleston, died peacefully at home on Saturday, March 24, 2018. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral chapel with Reverend Sharon Patton officiating. Burial will follow in the Arcola Cemetery, Arcola, Illinois. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to Old State Road Christian Church or Charleston Area Churches Food Pantry. Gifts may be left at the visitation or service or mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.Mike was born August 17, 1937 in Charleston, Illinois, the seventh of nine children born to Clifford and Thelma (Allen) Strader of Hindsboro, Illinois. He married his high school sweetheart, Gayle Gilbert on September 1, 1957 and their 60th anniversary was celebrated last fall with family. In addition to Gayle he is survived by two children, Jill Strader McCue and husband Mark of Bartlett, Illinois and Tobin Strader and husband Anthonie Lardiere of Fishers, Indiana; five grandchildren, Samantha McCue Placek and husband Matt of Austin, Texas, Matthew McCue of Colorado, Madeline Nicole McCue of Bartlett, Robin Lardiere Strader and Logan Lardiere Strader, both of Fishers; his siblings, Nelson Strader of Oakland, Illinois, Myra Coy of Decatur, Illinois, Duane Strader of Hindsboro, Illinois, Dolores Dague (Archie) also of Oakland, Norman Strader (Marsha) of Arcola, Illinois; a sister-in-law, Jeanne Strader of Hindsboro, Illinois; a brother-in-law, Don England of St. Louis; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Allen and Daniel Strader and a sister, June England. Mike was a 1955 graduate of Arcola High School. He attained the rank of First Lieutenant while serving with the Illinois National Guard and also completed his Bachelor's Degree from Eastern Illinois University. Being of service to others was of the utmost importance to Mike. He was recruited in the mid 70's to lead a senior nutrition program, which he would name Peace Meal. It grew to a program operating in 14 counties with 60 meal sites and serving 2500 seniors daily. He was recognized for his local leadership skills and eventually became president of the Illinois Association of Nutrition Programs as well as president of the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Service Programs (NANASP). Mike was also instrumental in the establishment of the Charleston Area Churches Food Pantry and continued to serve on its Board of Directors. Mike was a faithful member of Old State Road Christian Church where he served as an Elder. His love for music was evident as he enjoyed singing in the church choir and was formerly a member of the Coles County Barbershoppers.Mike's interests were many and included woodworking, gardening, horses, politics, and model railroading. Many memorable times were spent with family at their Lake Mattoon cottage, boating, taking family vacations and enjoying many family get-togethers. Mike's sense of humor was appreciated and served him well to the end. He will always be lovingly remembered by his family and many friends.Click to view the Family Memorial Video. SERVICES Visitation Wednesday, March 28, 2018 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM Adams Funeral Chapel 2330 SHAWNEE DR CHARLESTON, Illinois 61920 Funeral Service Wednesday, March 28, 2018 1:30 PM Adams Funeral Chapel 2330 SHAWNEE DR CHARLESTON, Illinois 61920
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