Obituaries

Bennett J Rader

February 23, 2021

Bennett James Rader, age 73, of Norwalk, passed away Tuesday, February 23, 2021 in Avon, Ohio.

He was born May 11, 1947 in Cleveland, OH to the late Ralph B. and Lucile (White) Rader. Ben graduated from Cardinal High School in Geauga County. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education at Kent State University and a Master’s Degree from Ashland University. Ben was a district librarian at Union Local School District for four years. He then worked for 34 years at Willard City Schools, where he was a librarian, computer and history teacher. He also took tickets at basketball games and was an Academic Challenge advisor for many years.

Ben was actively involved in several writing groups. He was happy to share his love of Haiku and other forms of poetry when he helped to instruct classes and perform. He was also a member of the Willard Lions Club and the Golden Rule Masonic Lodge. He was also an early member of Mrs. Hudson’s Lodgers, a Sherlock Holmes Society, in Cleveland, Ohio. Bennett was an involved grandpa, and leaves behind a legacy of his love for books and creativity.

He is survived by his wife, Willa (Holt) Rader of Norwalk; children, Elizabeth Hodge, Heather Rader and James Rader; grandchildren, Valick Conley, Arabella Hodge, Serenity Sigler, Charlotte Sigler, Lyla Zyski and Dalton Rader; sister-in-law, Norma Kolb; nieces, Lynn Kolb and Lisa Kolb; nephew, David (Beth) Kolb; a great-niece, Maddie Kolb; and great-nephew, Will Kolb.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Betty Lou Rader; and his grandson, Gage Conley.

A celebration of his life will be held Sunday, March 7, 2021 from 2:00 – 4:00 P.M. at the Norwalk Masonic Hall. Arrangements entrusted to the Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk.

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Bennett J Rader

Bennett James Rader, age 73, of Norwalk, passed away Tuesday, February 23, 2021 in Avon, Ohio.

He was born May 11, 1947 in Cleveland, OH to the late Ralph B. and Lucile (White) Rader. Ben graduated from Cardinal High School in Geauga County. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education at Kent State University and a Master’s Degree from Ashland University. Ben was a district librarian at Union Local School District for four years. He then worked for 34 years at Willard City Schools, where he was a librarian, computer and history teacher. He also took tickets at basketball games and was an Academic Challenge advisor for many years.

Ben was actively involved in several writing groups. He was happy to share his love of Haiku and other forms of poetry when he helped to instruct classes and perform. He was also a member of the Willard Lions Club and the Golden Rule Masonic Lodge. He was also an early member of Mrs. Hudson’s Lodgers, a Sherlock Holmes Society, in Cleveland, Ohio. Bennett was an involved grandpa, and leaves behind a legacy of his love for books and creativity.

He is survived by his wife, Willa (Holt) Rader of Norwalk; children, Elizabeth Hodge, Heather Rader and James Rader; grandchildren, Valick Conley, Arabella Hodge, Serenity Sigler, Charlotte Sigler, Lyla Zyski and Dalton Rader; sister-in-law, Norma Kolb; nieces, Lynn Kolb and Lisa Kolb; nephew, David (Beth) Kolb; a great-niece, Maddie Kolb; and great-nephew, Will Kolb.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Betty Lou Rader; and his grandson, Gage Conley.

A celebration of his life will be held Sunday, March 7, 2021 from 2:00 – 4:00 P.M. at the Norwalk Masonic Hall. Arrangements entrusted to the Evans Funeral Home, 314 E. Main Street, Norwalk.

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Online Condolences

Janene Reiderman

Willard, OH, United States
February 26, 2021

Willa I am so sorry to hear of Ben's passing.
I had him as a Study Hall monitor. I always enjoyed talking to him. He had a wealth of knowledge.
I hope that knowing that others are thinking of you be of some comfort during this difficult time.
Praying for all of you.

DEB KOSTOFF

willard, OH, United States
February 26, 2021

so sorry for your loss. your family is in my prayers

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