Marilyn "Lyn" Bader

Marilyn "Lyn" Bader, 83, of Bozeman, Montana, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026. Lyn was born on August 19, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Quentin and Estelle Crossman. She grew up with a deep love for the drum and bugle team and especially baton twirling. In high school the team won the national championship and Lyn spent countless hours traveling throughout the United States in various competitive events.

After high school she graduated from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois with a bachelor's degree in nursing. She later taught nursing in Decatur. This led to a 20-year career in nursing which also included teaching in a vocational high school medical arts program in the Roaring Fork School District in Colorado. She was known for her insistence on excellence in the application of medical procedures, her passion for teaching, and her ability to make every student feel competent and appreciated. Many former students credit her with inspiring their careers and shaping their character.

Following her nursing endeavors, Lyn returned to higher education and earned a master's degree in counseling from the University of Northern Colorado. She built several practices in Colorado and Michigan before retiring.

In 1964, Lyn married Jim Bader. Together they raised three children, helped raise six grandchildren, and built a home filled with love.

She became very involved in church ministry, especially Stonecroft ministry where she witnessed hundreds of people regarding her faith.

Lynn is survived by her husband, Jim; children, Kristin Hall, Tricia Bader-Binford, Jeff Bader; brother, Mike Crossman; as well as 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

Visitation for Lyn will be held at Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service on Thursday, January 15 from 4 P.M. until 6 P.M. A Celebration of Lyn's Life will be held on Friday January 16, at 11:00 A.M. at Springhill Presbyterian Church in Bozeman.

Lyn will be remembered for her devotion to family, friends, and honest approach to life and living.

Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. www.dokkennelson.com