Arthur William Bader

Arthur William Bader

Sept 8, 1934 - April 13, 2023

Arthur William Bader died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. He said he was headed to dance with Betty, his wife of 57 years.  Art grew up in south Tacoma and was the sixth of seven Bader children. He graduated from Holy Rosary Elementary and Bellarmine High School.  Art married Betty Bannan in 1956. Their first “date” wasn’t — Art arrived at a party with another date, but left with Betty. Art and Betty raised six, fun-loving kids in a home that was the center of activity in their south Tacoma neighborhood, and he was a favorite uncle to dozens of nieces and nephews, from his family and Betty’s.

Through the years, Art worked for Boeing, Kenworth and retired from Sprague Pest Control. He was an active member of the Elks Lodge and St. Leo’s Catholic Church.  Some of his longest-lasting friendships were with his fellow Bellarmine alumni. He and Betty had dozens of lifelong friends with whom they traveled and played cards. Art loved all kinds of card games – pinochle, cribbage, 31, pass the card and so many more, including his latest passion, golf. He was also known for his woodworking, including many hand-crafted benches from wood at family property at Green River.

Art was loved by many, and he loved you right back. He was kind, generous, positive and always had a compliment for those around him. Art passed his love of cards, puzzles and a Friday night toast along to his children and grandchildren. He was often the life of the party, and you always knew he had arrived when you heard him yell “Whoo hoo, let’s get rowdy!”

Art was preceded in death by his wife Betty; his sisters Hilda, Bernadette, Rosemary and his brother George. Art is survived by his sisters Loretta and Lorraine; his children Art Jr (Ivy) Bader, David (Terry) Bader, Mark (Amy) Bader, Mike (Dani) Bader, Mary (Mike) Gallagher and Gina (Matt) McCarthy; his 11 grandchildren: Autumn (Ricky) Bargreen, Maggie (Jake) Strobl, Joe (Elizabeth) Gallagher, Josh (Kate), Kevin and Claire McCarthy, Hallie and Walter Bader, and Henry, Lydia and Louise Bader, plus five great grandchildren, Trent, Westley, Vivian, Stella and Gemma.

The family is grateful to Dr. Scott Meehan, MultiCare Pulmonary Group and hospice for their compassionate care. A celebration of Art’s life will be held later. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to St Leo’s Food Connection or St. Vincent DePaul. Please feel free to post condolences or a memory of Art below.