Winston B. Mader

Surrounded by love, Winston B. Mader, 86, of Pullman, Washington passed away Sunday, October 16, 2016 in Pullman. All are invited to a celebration of his life on Saturday, October 22nd at 2:00 pm at "The Barn at Mader Farm", 13506 Hillside Road, Genesee, Idaho. For more information and directions go to http://www.thebarnatmaderfarm.com. Dress warmly for seasonal weather in western or country attire. There will be a private family burial at the Colfax Cemetery.

Winston was born August 28, 1930 in Colfax to Louis and Clara (Strand) Mader. The oldest of three children, he was raised at the family farm on Clear Creek with his brother, Frank, and his sister, Miriam. He attended the Eden Valley country school and graduated from Colfax High School in 1948. He often gathered with fellow Colfax High Alumni throughout his lifetime. During the next few years he enlisted in the Air Force, married Dorthy Johnston of Penewawa, and served a tour of duty in the Korean Conflict in the motor pool and later as an airplane mechanic. Upon returning from Korea he completed his four-year tour of duty at Alamagordo, NM before being honorably discharged. The young couple returned to their roots in the Palouse.

In the mid-50's Winston was anxious to begin farming. He placed a classified ad in the Colfax Gazette. Investigating the lease of farm land. Melvin Ensley responded and they negotiated a lease for land near Colfax where Winston planted peas.

Subsequently, Winston purchased land near Genesee, and moved his young family to Mader Farm along Cow Creek where he and Dorthy raised their family. With a vision for the future and a keen eye for opportunity, he also did custom farming and leased ground including areas around Mockonema, Dayton, Waitsburg and Walla Walla. He spent over 25 years at his farm near Waitsubrg. A gifted and talented businessman, Winston truly enjoyed the land, loved to develop it, invest in it, and trade in its commodities. He was selected and honored by the Hinrichs Trading Company as their "Legacy Farmer of the Year" in 2010.

Winston's special pleasures included: *old Caterpillar tractors and membership in the Caterpillar Club; *the annual harvest/plowing bee held at the Whitman County Fairgrounds; *attending community events such as the Uniontown Sausage Feed and gatherings at the Dahmen Barn; *conversing daily with friends at the Waitsburg hardware store; *lifetime relationship and business partnership with the Tomlinson family; *reading history; *telling and retelling stories of the Palouse with charisma and enthusiasm which created deep bonds of friendship; *serving on the Pea and Lentil Commission during the time they moved their headquarters to Moscow; *barbershop quartet music.

The family is blessed by the legacy of faith Winston leaves behind. He was active with the Assembly of God Church in Lewiston and served on the church board. He consistently attributed the blessings of his life to the Lord and expressed how "very grateful" he was, never failing to mention he prayed for each of his children and grandchildren, by name, every day. His love of music and old hymns deeply shaped his faith and provided a connection to his core values.

Winston was preceded in death by his father and mother, and more recently his brother, Frank (May 28th). He is survived by his sister, Miriam and her husband Gary Barckert of Seattle; his 5 children: Steve and wife Edie Mader (Pullman); Daniel and wife Cindi Mader (Genesee); Louann and husband Mike Thoennes (Portland); Garth and wife Chirstina Mader (Seattle); and Kerry and husband Al Schleappe (Gilbert, AZ); as well as 13 grandchildren: Kevin Mader, Kelly Parker, Kandace Olson, Jadon Mader, Priya Mader, Philip Thoennes, Brandon Thoennes, Chandler Mader, Kylie Mader, Bryn Mader, Makenzie Sikes, Madison Sikes and Reagan Sikes; and 6 great grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express its deep appreciation for the care givers at Bishop Place.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial gifts be directed to:

Young Life – India: Winston Mader Memorial Fund

923 6th Street, Suite #2

Clarkston, WA 99403

Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax, Washington is caring for the family.