RANDOLPH — Funeral service for Marie E. Spader, 79, Randolph, were Jan. 26 at St. Frances de Chantal Catholic Church, Randolph. Father Dave Korth and Deacon Doug Tunink officiated the service.

Inurnment was at the St. Frances Catholic Cemetery, Randolph, where she was laid to rest alongside Mel. Visitation and a vague service were Sunday at the church.

Stonacek Funeral Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.

Marie Elaine Spader, known affectionately to all as “Elaine,” the vibrant heart of the Spader family, died peacefully Jan. 19, 2026, at the Randolph Nursing Home. Her passing comes just 11 days after the loss of her beloved husband, Mel. Married 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.

Born Marie Elaine Konola April 22, 1946, in Omaha, she was the daughter of the late Arnie Konola and Helen Wagner,and the step daughter 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 farmin Randolph. She embraced rural life with strength and grace,making the farm a home for over half a century.

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.

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 couldpass up. She also took pleasure in hosting family and friends for meals, always ensuring her home was a welcoming place for a gathering.

Above all else, Elaine loved her children immensely. She was the steady, loving force behind her four children and the many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who followed.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents;her step father; 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 13 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorials to be made tothe family for a later designation.