Obituary for Pamela J. "Pam" Rades
Pamela Jean Rades, age 76, passed away peacefully at her home in Wausau, Wisconsin on December 17, 2022, after more than three years of managing multiple myeloma.
Pam was born October 22, 1946, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of the late Harold and Edna (Brandt) Fazendin. She graduated from Shawano High School in 1964 and took continuing education courses throughout her career. On June 10, 1967, Pam married James Rades at Sacred Heart Church in Shawano, Wisconsin. She raised her children and worked in the manufacturing industry while also caring for Jim during his health challenges until he passed on June 1, 2016.
Pam was a superb communicator and leader. She patiently earned well-deserved leadership promotions throughout her career. Beginning as an Administrative Assistant at Phenix Manufacturing in Shawano she progressed to Purchasing Manager for Clopay Manufacturing and Woodline Manufacturing. She ultimately served as the General Manager for Heritage Veneered Products, where the business earned Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year under her leadership, until her retirement in 2007. Later, she consulted part-time to small businesses for many years.
Pam served on the Shawano Police and Fire Commission, was a former Cub Scout Den Mother and Brownie Troop Leader, and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Business and Professional Women’s Club, the Rotary Club, and various business-related organizations. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and sisters, tending to her Japanese garden, painting, and completing logic and crossword puzzles. Pam delighted in the occasional friendly prank and usually had a joke on hand to share with anyone in need of a smile. She was a patient and generous mother, spouse, sister, and friend who was always available to lend an ear or a hand.
She is survived by her son, Paul (Laurie) Rades of Sussex, WI; her daughter, Sarah Rades Gunning (Brian) of Wausau, WI; her grandchildren, Elise Rades, Ella Rades, Eli Rades, Ren Gunning and Tessa Gunning; her sisters, Pat Waschbisch of Oconto Falls, WI, Sally Lemke of Pulaski, WI, and Coni Pearson (Tom) of Pardeeville, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Edna Fazendin, and her brothers John Fazendin and Michael Fazendin.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the Healthwell Foundation which supported her treatment and helped improve her quality of life.
“Pam’s family would like to thank the oncology team and nursing staff at Marshfield Clinic-Weston for all their support throughout her treatment.”
Pam was born October 22, 1946, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of the late Harold and Edna (Brandt) Fazendin. She graduated from Shawano High School in 1964 and took continuing education courses throughout her career. On June 10, 1967, Pam married James Rades at Sacred Heart Church in Shawano, Wisconsin. She raised her children and worked in the manufacturing industry while also caring for Jim during his health challenges until he passed on June 1, 2016.
Pam was a superb communicator and leader. She patiently earned well-deserved leadership promotions throughout her career. Beginning as an Administrative Assistant at Phenix Manufacturing in Shawano she progressed to Purchasing Manager for Clopay Manufacturing and Woodline Manufacturing. She ultimately served as the General Manager for Heritage Veneered Products, where the business earned Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year under her leadership, until her retirement in 2007. Later, she consulted part-time to small businesses for many years.
Pam served on the Shawano Police and Fire Commission, was a former Cub Scout Den Mother and Brownie Troop Leader, and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Business and Professional Women’s Club, the Rotary Club, and various business-related organizations. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and sisters, tending to her Japanese garden, painting, and completing logic and crossword puzzles. Pam delighted in the occasional friendly prank and usually had a joke on hand to share with anyone in need of a smile. She was a patient and generous mother, spouse, sister, and friend who was always available to lend an ear or a hand.
She is survived by her son, Paul (Laurie) Rades of Sussex, WI; her daughter, Sarah Rades Gunning (Brian) of Wausau, WI; her grandchildren, Elise Rades, Ella Rades, Eli Rades, Ren Gunning and Tessa Gunning; her sisters, Pat Waschbisch of Oconto Falls, WI, Sally Lemke of Pulaski, WI, and Coni Pearson (Tom) of Pardeeville, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Edna Fazendin, and her brothers John Fazendin and Michael Fazendin.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the Healthwell Foundation which supported her treatment and helped improve her quality of life.
“Pam’s family would like to thank the oncology team and nursing staff at Marshfield Clinic-Weston for all their support throughout her treatment.”