Frank was born Feb. 7, 1933, in Colfax, Wash., to Louis and Klara Mader. He was raised on the family farm with his brother, Winston, and sister, Miriam. After graduating from Colfax High School, he attended Washington State College where he studied agriculture and was a member of AGR fraternity.
Frank married the love of his life, LaVonne Willson, Aug. 27, 1955, in Colfax. Frank served in the U.S. Army prior to and just after their marriage. During the early years of their marriage Frank and LaVonne had two children, Shannon and Kirk. In 1965, Frank and his family moved to the Jordan Valley area where he realized his dream of owning a cattle ranch and they enjoyed the western way of life on Succor Creek. In 1977 he and LaVonne moved to Ruby Valley, Nev., where they expanded their cattle operation before settling down on a wheat farm in the Butter Creek area of Echo in 1979.
Frank and LaVonne’s stewardship of the land earned them the Morrow County Conservation Farm in 1987 and the following year was awarded the Oregon State Conservation Farm Award. Frank’s love for cattle ranching never subsided as he continued to run cattle along with raising wheat. In 2002 he partnered with his son on a ranch in Nevada. Frank enjoyed working alongside his family and instilled the importance of hard work in his children. Family and faith were priorities for Frank and his presence will be missed forever.
Frank was a longtime member of the Oregon Wheat Growers League and the Oregon Cattleman’s Association, and a member of the Hermiston First Christian Church.
Survivors include his wife of 60-plus years, LaVonne; daughter Shannon Rust (Tim), Echo, Ore., son Kirk Mader (Donna), Orovada, Nev.; grandchildren Brian Rust (Jordan), Brooke Carnine (Randy), Brynna Rust, Quinn Mader, Kade Mader; great-grandson Karsten Carnine; brother Winston Mader, Pullman, Wash.; sister Miriam Backert (Gary), Shoreline, Wash.; and many nieces and nephews.
Contributions may be made to the First Christian Church Memorial Fund, 775 W. Highland Ave., Hermiston, OR 97838, or to Sharing Alongside, P.O. Box 33663, Seattle, WA 98133.
Services will be held at the Hermiston First Christian Church on Friday, June 3, 1 p.m., with a burial in Colfax at a later date.
