Marie E. Spader

In Loving Memory of Marie Elaine (Konola) Spader April 22, 1946 – January 19, 2026 RANDOLPH – Funeral service for Marie E. Spader, 79, of Randolph, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 26, 2026, at St. Frances de Chantal Catholic Church, Randolph. Father Dave Korth and Deacon Doug Tunink will be officiating the service. Inurnment will be held at the St. Frances Catholic Cemetery, Randolph, where she will be laid to rest alongside Mel. Visitation will be 3:00-5:00 p.m., Sunday, also at the church with a vigil service beginning at 5:00 p.m. Stonacek Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Marie Elaine Spader, known affectionately to all as “Elaine,” the vibrant heart of the Spader family, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, at the Randolph Nursing Home. Her passing comes just eleven days after the loss of her beloved husband, Mel. Married on June 5, 1965, Elaine and Mel shared over 60 years of unwavering devotion; it is a testament to their bond that she has now joined him to continue their journey together. From Omaha to the Farm Born Marie Elaine Konola on April 22, 1946, in Omaha, Nebraska, she was the daughter of the late Arnie Konola and Helen Wagner, and the stepdaughter of the late Arnold Wagner. Though she was born and raised in Omaha, her life changed beautifully in 1971 when she and Mel moved to the family farm in Randolph. She embraced rural life with strength and grace, making the farm a home for over half a century. Hard Work and Community Elaine was a woman of incredible work ethic, dedicating over 20 years to Dale Electronics and later serving her community through her work at Faith Regional. A devoted Catholic, she was a long-time member of St. Frances de Chantal Catholic Church in Randolph. A Life of Joy and Connection Elaine was a "great lady" who knew how to find joy in the everyday. She was a proud and active member of the Red Hat Society, where she cherished the laughter and sisterhood of her friends. A legendary shopper, Elaine had a keen eye for a bargain and famously never met a good deal she could pass up. She also took pleasure in hosting family and friends for meals, always ensuring her home was a welcoming place for a gathering. A Mother’s Boundless Love Above all else, Elaine loved her children immensely. Mel often said, “There’s no love like a mother’s love,” and Elaine lived that truth every day. She was the steady, loving force behind her four children and the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who followed. Family and Survivors Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, her stepfather, her husband, Mel, and her grandson Parker Criss. She is survived by her sister, Linda Lynch; and her four children: Robert “Bob” Spader, Tammy Tunink and her husband Mark, Dean Spader and his wife Julie, Mike Spader and his wife Sonia. Her legacy continues through her ten grandchildren: Sister Megan Thérèse Tunink, Jennifer Nelsen and her husband, Russell, Tanner Criss and Kandice Pasch, Grace Spader, Briton Blasingame, Hailee Blasingame, Brayden Blasingame, Paige Blasingame, Rodrigo Chavarria Lopez, and Javier Chavarria Lopez. She was also the proud great-grandmother of thirteen great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorials to be made to the family for a later designation. Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.

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Marie E. Spader

April 22, 1946 - January 19, 2026