Wade Philip Lade, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully in his home in Tucson, Arizona on February 12, 2021 at the age of 74.
Wade was born on July 18, 1946 in Minot, North Dakota. He grew up on the family farm north of Minot before the family moved into town. He graduated from Minot High School and attended Minot State College. He was employed as a freight car mechanic by the Great Northern, Burlington Northern, and BNSF railroads in Minot, Glendive MT, and Mandan ND for many years until his retirement.
Wade and his wife Leonora were married in Minot in 1975 and were together for almost 46 years. They lived and raised a family in Minot and Bismarck ND until his retirement, and later moved to Hazen ND and Mandan ND. In 2011, they moved to Arizona.
He was a bowling champion and chess enthusiast. He was a member of several Lutheran congregations and loved to sing. He enjoyed working on household projects and playing the guitar. He lived out his sunset years in a house with sunshine, orange trees, and a mountain view.
Wade is survived by wife Leonora, Tucson; son Larry, Minneapolis MN; daughter Lori (Olu) Fordham, Tucson; four grandchildren, Oscar, Zoe, Orson, and Leo Fordham, Tucson; sister Marie (Raymond) Reeb, Loveland CO; brother Daniel (Edith) Lade, Minot; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Wade was preceded in death by parents, Theodore and Irene Lade, Minot; and brother John Lade, Minot.
Arrangements are being handled by Oasis Cremation & Funeral Care, Tucson AZ.
An online memorial service was held online April 10, 2021.
