Richard David "Rick" Wader II, 45, of Potosi died Oct. 26, 2022, at St. Louis University Hospital. Mr. Wader was a paramedic with the Emergency Department of South City Hospital and a volunteer with the Madison Fire Department. For the past 20 years, he served as an EMT, paramedic, and firefighter. He will be remembered for his selfless service in the community with multiple organizations including Backstoppers, Hartbauer-McBride and Bikers For Babies. Born Feb. 12, 1977, in St Louis, he was the son of Rick and Linda “Lynn” (Gebhardt) Wader of Potosi.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by a daughter: Katelynn "Katie Bug" Wader of Potosi; a sister: Mindy (Andy) Hasemeier; three nieces: Savannah, Haley and Lydia Hasemeier of Bonne Terre; his significant other: Jennifer Price and her children Connor, Annelise and Amelia Baur of Imperial; many extended family members; and many brothers and sisters throughout the first responder community.
Visitation is scheduled from 1 p.m. until a funeral service at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus, officiated by Odell Jackson. Memorials may be made to the Katelynn Michelle Wader educational fund, c/o Mindy Hasemeier. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.