John M. Kading

John Milton Kading died at the age of 68 on March 18 at his home in Chapala, Mexico.

He was born June 21, 1944, near Lowell, Wisconsin and grew up on a farm. He graduated from Elkhart Lake High School in 1962, Lakeland College in 1966 and Eden Seminary in 1969.

He followed his father into the Christian ministry. His ordination as a United Church of Christ pastor took place in June 1969.

He served at churches in Lind; Elyria, Ohio; Great Falls, Mont. and Butte, Mont.

Changing careers, he attended the University of Montana School of Law from 1991 to 1994. He established his own firm in Butte, focusing on social justice.

He and his wife, Ruth retired to a hillside home overlooking Lake Chapala in 2006. His retirement was an active one.

He volunteered at the Animal Shelter, the Love in Action Children’s Shelter and the Lake Chapala Society.

He also oversaw the maintenance of the subdivision where he lived.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth; children, Jolaine (Jeff) Plant of Marysville, Wash., and Sean (Terrie) Kading of Santa Margarita, Calif.; stepson, Scott (Wendy) Ward of Seattle; grandchildren, Alexis and Logan Plant, and Jack and Ethan Ward; mother, Lillian Kading; three sisters, Virginia (Robert) Koepsel, Marjean (Charles) Pountain and Tina (David) Fritsch; several nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends. He will be sorely missed by his canine friends, Loco and Coki.

A celebration of life was held on April 12 on the Neill James Patio of the Lake Chapala Society.