Louise D. Mader

Elsie Louise Dahlquist Mader, born March 13, 1931, returned triumphant to her Lord on June 12, 2025. Louise was born in Ridgway to Frank and Elsie Dahlquist. She was the youngest of their three children following brothers Bob and Connie and is the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Louise was the apple of her father’s eye. At age 12 she began pumping gas and washing cars for 25 cents apiece at her father’s business, The Ridgway Ford Garage. Soon after turning sixteen, she was cruising around town in a ’49 Ford with her best friend, Betty “Pete” Aiello.

While working the candy counter at the Strand Theater, Louise met Keith Mader. They were married on October 13th, 1951. They began a family of three girls and three boys. Louise was a stay-at-home mom until all her children entered school and then she began employment with the PA Department of Health. Always active in the life of her children and grandchildren, Louise also served her church with unending faith. She became the organist of First Lutheran Church at age 60, served on the Church Council and several committees within the church. Louise was also active in the local Ridgway Girl Scouts of America with her daughters, a member of Mother’s Study Club, and the VIA . Though if you ask anyone, yardwork was her devoted passion. Many a neighbor marveled at the hours she spent weeding, transplanting, hauling, and sifting dirt, trimming shrubs, replanting grass – this list was endless. In between yardwork, she loved to paint, sew, reupholster furniture, and countless other tasks that she could do to help someone else. Louise reluctantly stepped away from yardwork at age 89 but still enjoyed her famous “Tall Gins” and playing the piano from memory.

Her husband Keith Mader Sr. preceded her in death on January 28th, 2016.

Louise is survived by her 6 children, 13 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren: daughter Marge Lubarsky and her children Justin (Leigh Ann), Kim Bizub (Mathew), David (Heather); daughter Nancy Ramsey and her husband Greg and children Anne (Stephen) and John (Mary Beth); son Keith Mader Jr. and wife Kathy and daughters Kylee and Morgan Wilson (Chris); son Bill Mader and wife Julie and sons Frank (Tori) and Andy ( Izzy); son Dave Mader and children John Henry, Erick, and Vivian; and daughter Mamie. Great grandchildren Jessica, Emma, Taylor, Maddie, Caroline, Connor, Logan. Lincoln, Lacey Jean, Lawrence, and Leah also survive Louise.

A Memorial Service for Louise D. Mader will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 12:00 PM, at First Lutheran Church, 331 South St, Ridgway, PA 15853.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, July 5, at First Lutheran Church from 11:00 AM until the time of service.

Memorials if desired may be made to First Lutheran Church, 331 South Street in Ridgway, PA 15853.

Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center St., Ridgway, PA 15853, is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefamilyfuneralhomes.com