Joy E. Rader

Joy Rader passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at age 79. Preceded in death by her parents, John and Elaine Rader. Survived by her siblings, Marie (the late Allen “Skip”) Praefke and John (Mary), nephews Ryan, Scott and Jay (Cindy) Praefke, Kyle Rader and Nora (Dan) Rader-Grubb, her great nephews and nieces Hudson, Callahan, Hadley, Samara and Asher, and a host of other loved ones. She is also preceded in death by her former husband, Tim Wilde.

Joy was born November 9, 1946 to John and Elaine Rader.

After graduating from Gallaudet University in 1970, Joy was a Teacher with Milwaukee Public Schools for 40 years before retiring in 2011.

Joy was very generous and spiritual participant in her church, Emmanuel Lutheran Church of the Deaf. If there was a need, she offered her love and skills unconditionally. Her creativity was channeled through her many different crafting skills. A gift from Joy’s creativity was filled with love, whether it was a needlepoint embroidery or a macrame plant hanger. She also loved to travel and kept immaculate scrapbooks of her journeys.

Her presence and devotion to family, friends and faith was never misunderstood.

Visitation will be held at 9:30 AM on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church of the Deaf, 2306 South 98th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, followed by a Funeral Service at 10:00 AM. Burial will be held privately.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Joy E. Rader, please visit our Tribute Store.