Patricia Marie Mader

Patricia Marie Mader (May 22, 1950 – August 9, 2025)

Patricia “Pat” Mader of Grand Island, Nebraska, passed away peacefully in Lincoln on August 9, 2025.

Patricia Marie Larsen was born May 22, 1950, in Grand Island, Nebraska, to Harvey and Gladys (Schlieker) Larsen. The first daughter in a family of six children, she became an “assistant mom” at an early age, cooking, cleaning, and caring for her younger siblings while both parents worked full time. These responsibilities inspired her dream of raising a family of her own. Pat attended Dodge Elementary, Barr Junior High School, and graduated from Grand Island Senior High School.

On December 12, 1970, Pat married Lloyd Mader. They soon began building their family, raising four children on the family farm north of Grand Island.

While raising her children, Pat was deeply involved in her community. She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday School and participated in the Women’s Association.

She served two terms on the Hall County 4-H Council and led two 4-H clubs, the Prairie Lassies and the Chatty Charms. Never one to shy away from a challenge, she led her children through the experience of raising lambs for the 4-H sheep project, despite never having cared for lambs before in her life.

In addition to her devotion to family, Pat found great fulfillment in serving and improving her community. What began as an interest in local history and genealogy grew into a passion for community-building. For 15 years, she was president of the Hall County Historical Society, where her most notable achievement was leading the restoration of the historic Burlington Station at 6th & Plum. Under her leadership, the Historical Society also organized and hosted the Voices of the Past program and German Heritage Days, which included the popular dachshund (“weiner dog”) races at the Platt-Duetsche. In recognition of her outstanding leadership and dedication, Pat was named the Grand Island Independent’s “Woman of the Year” in 2001.

Pat’s other community contributions included serving as president of the Grand Island Women’s Club for eight years, participating in an extension club (the Craft Ladies), and bowling on two women’s teams, proudly achieving a 150 average. To share her enjoyment of bowling with her children and other youth, she oversaw a children’s bowling league at Westside Lanes. Pat was also an active, dedicated supporter of Northwest High School music and athletic boosters.

Undeniably, Pat’s greatest joy in life was her children and grandchildren. She took great pride and joy in following her children’s activities and celebrating their achievements throughout their school and college years. With her grandchildren, Pat’s face lit up with laughter and delight at every story she heard or shared, and she bragged about them unapologetically.

Pat is survived by her four children: Krista (John) Croghan of Lincoln, Nebraska; Jeremy (Allison) Mader of Grand Island, Nebraska; Shana (Josh) Briggs of Westminster, Colorado; and Ashley Mader (Trevor Hill) of Lincoln, Nebraska; grandchildren: Noah and Bella Croghan, Jack, Presley, and Colton Mader, Myla and Jace Briggs; siblings: Bill Larsen, Paul (Shelly) Larsen, and Vicky (Dave) Roepker; and brother-in-law: Ron Cates.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Mader; her parents, Harvey and Gladys Larsen; her brother, Gary Larsen; her sister, Paula Cates; and her sisters-in-law Joan Larsen and Michele Larsen.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, August 15, at 10:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Grand Island with pastor Kevin Geurink officiating. Burial will be in the Grand Island City Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pat’s memory to The Hargis House of Grand Island.