Erna Rader

Erna Emma Rader, age 97, passed away at Elk Ridge Assisted Living in Perham, on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, after sharing eight years of her life there.

Erna was born January 16, 1926 to Charles Martin Matz and Anna (Balzer) Matz of Corliss Township Otter Tail County, Minnesota.

She was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church, Corliss Township.

At the Pine Lake Township School and Perham High School she received her education. Erna chose adventure over completing high school for her diploma. She traveled with her sister, Laura, and brother-in-law, Marvin Schave, to the west coast.

Upon returning to Minnesota, Erna lived in Park Rapids with Laura and Marvin. As a young adult, she worked at the Park Rapids Bakery and Welter Brother's Grocery until she married.

A snowy April 16, 1945 was the wedding day of Erna and Lester Rader. They exchanged vows at St. John's Lutheran Church and managed to drive to Wadena for their wedding photos, however some celebrating was postponed into the next week.

Together, Erna and Lester worked a dairy farm in Butler Township for 32 years. Their farm was in many ways - The Model Farm - leading the farming community with modern ways and success. They sold the farm in 1977 and moved to a new house on Little McDonald Lake in Edna Township. Because they still loved animals, they raised sheep on nearby pasture land.

With the move to Little McDonald Lake Erna and Lester transferred their church membership to St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Perham, Minnesota. At St. John's Erna was active in the Mary and Martha Society and at St. Paul's the LWML (Lutheran Women's Missionary League. Both groups provided spiritual growth and fellowship from all the preparations and servings of the numerous dinners and luncheons.

In 1998, Erna and Lester were the first residents of the former Briarwood apartments located in Perham. There she enjoyed numerous volunteer actives: co-leader of the Bible study, calling bingo and helping with the birthday and anniversary parties. She always enjoyed helping other residents.

A 60th Wedding Anniversary was celebrated April 16, 2005. It was a great day of happiness and joy celebrated by family and friends at the Perham Lakeside Golf Course. Sadly, it was only three months later that Lester passed away.

Once travel to church became too much, Erna faithfully listened each Sunday morning to St. Paul's Radio Ministry. It was her wish that any honoring of her life be in the support of the St. Paul's Radio Ministry.

Erna and Lester were never blessed with children of their own, but substituted their nephew and nieces to receive their love and concern. Among the surviving her immediate Matz Family: Eldon Matz and Donna (Schave) Bolf; deceased, Lester Ziegler and Mavin (Ziegler) Wanderi. From her cousin, Louis Matz and sister-in-law, Myrtle (Rader, Matz) Peterson, surviving is: Donald Matz, Linda (Matz) Quittschreiber, Lana (Matz) Howard, and deceased, Duane Matz, also from sister-in-law, Fern (Rader-Ebling) Anderson, a nephew, David Anderson; niece, Shirley (Ebling) Roemhildt and deceased niece, Joyce (Ebling) Voigt.

Preceding Erna in death was her husband, Lester; her parents; three sisters, Alma (Matz) Ziegler, Ethel Matz, and Laura (Matz) Schave; brothers, Reuben, Bernard, and Edward; a niece, Mavin (Ziegler) Wanderi; and nephew Lester Ziegler.

Visitation will be at Schoeneberger Funeral and Cremation Service in Perham on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Perham, at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 19. Interment will be in the church cemetery.

Memorials are preferred to the St. Paul's Lutheran Radio Ministry.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com