Ethel Quade

Ethel Quade, age 94, of Frazee, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Ethel was born on December 20, 1930, to Fred and Augusta (Radel) Bartel in Toad Lake Township, Minnesota. She grew up in a home where faith, family, and hard work were the center of life. In 1948, she married the love of her life, Marvin A. Quade, and together they built a beautiful life on their farm in Evergreen Township. The farm was not only where they raised crops and animals, but also where they raised their family and welcomed friends, neighbors, and extended family for coffee, conversation, and fellowship.

Ethel’s faith was the foundation of her life. She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Evergreen and was very active in the Sunday School program for many years, helping guide children in their faith. She was also a dedicated member of the LWML, supporting mission projects, fellowship events, and service opportunities. She rarely missed a Sunday service, whether attending in person or listening faithfully by radio or television when she could not be present. She was known for taking meticulous notes on sermons and Bible readings and spent many quiet hours reading Scripture, drawing strength and wisdom from God’s Word.

She was a gifted and creative soul, known for her many crafts and handiwork that she often shared with friends and family. Ethel also worked at Kenny’s Candy in Perham, Minnesota, for 22 years, where she formed lasting friendships with her co-workers.

Those who knew Ethel will remember her warm hospitality, her gentle humor, and her gift for making everyone feel welcome. Her home was a gathering place where the coffee pot was always on, and no one ever left hungry or unloved. She loved to sing and had a special talent for yodeling, bringing smiles and laughter to those lucky enough to hear her. Her greatest joy, however, came from spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, who were truly the light of her life.

Ethel is survived by her children: Larry (Karen) Quade, Steve (Tammy) Quade, and Diane (Daryl) Heiden; her daughter-in-law Beverly Johnson; her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; her sister Donna Walsh; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Marvin A. Quade; her parents, Fred and Augusta Bartel; her siblings Gladys (Gordon)Hendrickson, Clarice (Orville) Mayer, Mildred (Bud) Johnson, Lowell Bartel, Kenny (Bev) Bartel, and Freddy Bartel; her brother-in-law Joe Walsh; her son-in-law Gordy Johnson; her son, James Quade; and three infant daughters Debra, Patricia, and Nancy.

A funeral service celebrating Ethel’s life will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Evergreen, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at the church cemetery.

Ethel’s family invites all who knew her to join them in remembering her faith, her laughter, and the love she so freely gave. Memorials may be directed to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice in her name.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the staff at Frazee Care Center and Hospice for the exceptional care, kindness, and compassion they provided to Ethel in her final days

Services will be conducted for Ethel at St. Paul's Lutheran Church Evergreen on Sunday, September 28th with a time of visitation at 1pm, followed by formal services starting at 2pm.