Burial will be held at the St. Frances Catholic Cemetery, rural Randolph. Visitation and a vigil service were Tuesday, also at the church.

Stonacek Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Melvin Paul Spader, a devoted husband, father, and pillar of the Randolph community, died peacefully Jan. 8, 2026, at the age of 85, in Randolph. He was comforted in his final moments by his wife of over 60 years, Elaine Spader, who remained by his side as his constant companion.

Mel’s life was defined by a profound sense of place and heritage. He was born in 1940 in the kitchen of the family home — the very house where he would later raise his own four children. He spent his life tending to the land and the legacy of a property that has remained in the Spader name for over 100 years.

As the youngest of ten children born to Matt and Martha (Gubbels) Spader, Mel’s passing marks the end of an era. He was the final surviving child of the Matt and Martha Spader tree, the last of a generation that planted the family’s roots deep into the Nebraska soil. Melvin married Elaine Konola June 5, 1965, in Omaha. He was preceded in death by his three sisters, Louise Eich, Marcella Brickley and Bernice Campbell; and his six brothers, Edward, Fred, George, Alvin, Thomas and Robert Spader.

A devoted Catholic and an active member of St. Frances de Chantal Catholic Church, Mel’s life was anchored in his faith. He was a man of the Word, known as both an avid reader and a man of steady action. His commitment to the next generation was evident in his work as a founder of the local TeamMates Mentoring Program, and he was a familiar, helping hand at the Knights of Columbus and the Elks Lodge.

When he wasn’t serving his community or working the land, Mel was often found with a book in his hand or enjoying Star Trek, always finding inspiration in the “final frontier.”

Mel’s greatest pride was the family he and Elaine built together. He is survived by his beloved wife, Elaine; and his four children, Robert “Bob” Spader, Tammy (Mark) Tunink, Dean (Julie) Spader, Mike (Sonia) Spader.

His legacy continues through his ten grandchildren, Sister Megan Thérèse Tunink, Jennifer Nelsen and her husband, Russell; Tanner Criss and his partner, Kandice Pasch; Grace Spader, Briton Blasingame, Hailee Blasingame, Brayden Blasingame, Paige Blasingame, Rodrigo Chavarria Lopez and Javier Chavarria Lopez. He was also the proud great-grandfather of 13 great-grandchildren.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents, his nine siblings, and his grandson, Parker Criss.

In honor of Mel’s lifelong commitment to youth and his community, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Randolph TeamMates Mentoring Program.