Chalmer Mader

Chalmer Ray Mader, 85, a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, and cherished friend to many, passed away surrounded by a lifetime of love and treasured memories.

Born on November 16, 1940, at Covington Hospital in Covington, Ohio, Chalmer was the son of the late Emerson and Zelma Fessler Mader. He grew up in the Covington community, where he developed a strong work ethic, genuine love for people, and appreciation for family that would define his life.

Chalmer graduated from Covington High School in 1958. During his high school years, he was active in 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA), while also working at Ebberts Field Seeds and Schmidlapp Equipment Company. These early experiences helped establish his lifelong passion for hard work and taking pride in a job well done.

Throughout his career, Chalmer was a dedicated and highly skilled heavy equipment mechanic. He worked for Rish Equipment Company and later built a long and respected career with Jergens Construction Company, where he retired in 2006. Never one to stop learning, Chalmer regularly pursued additional training and certifications to repair and maintain new and advancing heavy equipment. He took tremendous pride in his profession and the relationships he developed throughout his working years.

Beyond his career, Chalmer also had a remarkable ability to fix just about anything, and one of the ways he expressed his love was by joyfully using his talents to help others. Whether repairing something that was broken, lending a helping hand, or finding a solution to a problem, he was always eager to serve those around him.

Chalmer was an active member of his community throughout his life. His memberships and affiliations included Friedens Lutheran Church, Zion Lutheran Church, Ohio Operating Engineers A-18, the National Campers & Hikers Association, the Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE) in Covington, and Trojan Square Dancing.

Chalmer and his beloved wife for 63 years, Judith, enjoyed camping, traveling, taking vacations, gardening, and spending winters in Florida. These adventures provided countless opportunities to build friendships, share laughter, and create cherished memories.

Above all else, Chalmer’s greatest joy was his family. He treasured every opportunity to gather with his children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends. He especially loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, proudly cheering them on and celebrating their accomplishments. His presence on the sidelines and in the stands was a reflection of the deep love and pride he held for each of them. To Chalmer, family was life’s greatest blessing, and time spent together was never taken for granted.

One of the special joys of his later years was welcoming his first great-grandchild, Baylor Kay Mader, in July 2026. The daughter of Nolan and Klair Mader, Baylor brought another beautiful chapter of love and happiness to his growing family.

Chalmer is survived by his loving wife, Judith Kay (Leistner) Mader; his three children, Kimberly Allison (fiancé Thomas Hiegel), Karen Liljegren (Mike), and Kevin Mader (Traci); and his ten beloved grandchildren, Marissa Elrod, Mason Elrod, Travis Johnson (fiancée Kendall Warren), Tyler Liljegren, Tori Liljegren, Allison Mader, Nolan Mader (Klair), Ashleigh Mader Piercefield (Spencer), Alexandria Mader, and Abbigail Mader. He is also survived by his great-granddaughter, Baylor Kay Mader, along with numerous extended family members and dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emerson and Zelma (Fessler) Mader and his sisters, Marcella Colby (Richard), Wilma Barbee (Ralph), Gladys Oelslager (William).

Chalmer will be remembered not simply for the years he lived, but for the life he brought to those years. He understood the value of a good day’s work, the importance of lasting friendships, and the irreplaceable gift of time spent with those he loved.

Though his presence will be deeply missed, the love he gave will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

Funeral services to honor his life will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, November 19, at Zion Lutheran Church, 14 W. Walnut St., Tipp City, with Pastor Jaren Summers officiating. Burial will follow in Miami Memorial Park, Covington. Friends may visit with the family from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday at Moore Funeral Home, 10 S. High St., Covington, and from 9:30-10 a.m. Thursday at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County in Troy, Ohio, in appreciation of the compassionate care and support provided to families during life’s most difficult moments.