John Gregory Bade

Greg Bade

1952 - 2026

John Gregory, “Greg”, “Zelmo”, “Bates”, age 73, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at his home on March 31st, 2026, in West St. Paul, Minnesota. Born on August 10, 1952, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Greg was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorothy Bade.

He is lovingly survived by his siblings, Jeff Bade, Mark Bade (Maryclare), Kathy Yanez, Steve Bade (Nancy), Ann Gilbert (Gary), and Tom Bade (Jody); and by many cherished nieces, nephews and dear friends.

While growing up on the West Side of St. Paul, Greg’s first job was delivering newspapers alongside his brothers – morning and evening routes, as well as handling customer payments.

From a young age, he developed a lifelong passion for sports of all kinds, along with a sharp mind for game and player statistics. Recognizing this talent, he was given a baseball scorebook and would listen to the Minnesota Twins on his radio while keeping score. His desire for scorekeeping continued well into his later years as a spectator of the Cretin Derham Hall Raiders and South St Paul VFW teams.

He attended Archbishop Brady High School from 1967 to 1971, where he formed many lifelong friendships. His love of sports caught the attention of Coach Mauer, who became a mentor to him and appointed him as student manager for several athletic teams.

His enthusiasm for sports led him to become a well-loved, coach and mentor for youth athletics, including basketball at Holy Trinity grade school, baseball at St. Michael’s grade school, and 16yrs (1974-1990) in the Babe Ruth baseball program, where he shared his love and knowledge of the game with countless young athletes. While coaching, he was also employed by the City of St. Paul, Parks and Recreation division, where he was assigned to the West Side’s Baker playground as well as Belvidere and Homecroft playgrounds.

Greg also taught his nieces and nephews how to play cards and games, especially enjoying a good game of cribbage. He frequently teased them about his pet spider, Charlie, allegedly hiding in the furnace room, instilling a lasting sense of arachnophobia in some that persists to this day! He rarely missed their sporting events, usually sitting in the back, keeping to himself, but always watching. They KNEW he was there. He would keep track of their performances, remembering the details and sharing the highlights of the game.

Much later in life he embraced a more relaxed connection to his love of sports by working for the City of West St. Paul Parks and Recreation. During the winter months, he served as the warming house attendant, maintaining ice rinks, and in the summer, he cared for the ball fields. Greg could often be seen walking the streets of West St. Paul. Though friends and acquaintances often stopped to offer a ride, he most often declined and continued on foot.

When working became more physically difficult, he reluctantly settled into retirement, often filling his free time at the casino, Bingo Hall or the horse track. Despite the physical challenges throughout his entire life, he NEVER complained. Instead, he met each challenge with strength and determination continually adapting and moving forward. His perseverance was a powerful example to all who knew him.

Hi – Yooo!

We would like to extend a special thank you to all his medical care team over the years. Dr. Jim Finell; Dr. Tim Hernandez and his staff at the Entira clinic, West St. Paul; Dr. Maryyam Ali and staff at Associated Nephrology Consultants, Maplewood; Dr. Julie Laidig; Dr. Cassandra Palmer; as well as the staff at Regions Hospital,St. Paul and Midwest Hospice staff.

Visitation, Saturday April 11th, 10am. Mass of Christian burial to follow at 11am, Church of The Assumption, St. Paul.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to: Community of Saints Regional Catholic School c/o Athletic Department/Field Restoration, 335 Hurley St. E. West St. Paul, MN 55118.