Milan Mader, longtime Lakeville school teacher and coach, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2022, due to complications from Parkinson’s, at the age of 83. Milan was born September 26, 1938, in Hodonin, Czechoslovakia. Following graduation from Charles University in Prague, he began his lifelong career in education. He was a member of the Czech National Track Team excelling in the 10,000 meter and competed throughout Europe. Milan married his one true love, Marie Bila, on June 27, 1964, and they began a lifelong adventure that spanned the globe and brought the family to Minnesota.
After immigrating to the U.S. in January 1969, following the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia, Milan worked a wide variety of jobs to support his family. He studied English and eventually resumed his teaching and coaching career at St. Raphael’s Catholic School (Crystal, MN) in 1972 and also coached soccer, volleyball, gymnastics and track at Cooper High School. In 1978, Milan was hired as a teacher and coach in Lakeville where he enjoyed an incredible 34-year career. He was instrumental in advocating for and helping to bring Minnesota girls sports to the forefront developing state powers in volleyball, gymnastics and track and field, instilling the principles of competition, dedication, hard work and sportsmanship. In his 50+ years of coaching in Czechoslovakia and Minnesota, “Maderman” had an invaluable impact on his children, grandchildren and thousands of students, athletes and colleagues in the Lakeville Schools and athletic programs around the state before retiring in 2012.
His volleyball legacy consists of 806 victories, 15 state tournament appearances, 5 state runner-up and 1 state title. He established the Bachman Invitational and retired after earning the state title in his final appearance in 2010. Between 1978 and 2003, his gymnastics teams made 15 state meet appearances and captured 10 state titles. Among his many personal recognitions and awards; National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Minnesota State High School League Hall of Fame, Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, 2003 Class AAA Coach of the Year, Minnesota State High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame, University of Minnesota Women’s Gymnastics Hall of Fame, Minnesota Girls Gymnastics Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Lakeville Hall of Fame and the establishment of the “Mader Loop” running trail at Ritter Park.
Milan had a wide variety of interests and hobbies including hiking, canoeing in the Boundary Waters, traveling with Marie throughout Europe and the Czech Republic, and especially exploring the U.S. National Parks; Yellowstone and Sequoia were his favorites. Milan also had interests in all types of music, any and all Benny Hill episodes, reading, piano, guitar and woodworking. His love of sports led him to enjoy watching any hockey game, track and field, volleyball, tennis, gymnastics and the Olympic Games. He loved attending his kids’ and grandkids’ games and events, family gatherings that included European traditions, and especially Marie’s Czech cooking and baking.
Milan was a champion in every sense of the word. However, his coaching goal was never to rack up awards and titles. It was to instill character in all of his athletes and help them become the best version of themselves. Among all of his accomplishments, nothing meant more to him than his family and the life that he and Marie built in the U.S. He was a great storyteller and did his best to leave his family with the important details of his journey through this life. He used his gifts to make sure to leave an impact and he did just that.
The volleyball program at Lakeville North High School is grateful for its past, present, and future. Together, the Lakeville North Panther Volleyball program and Bachman family feel it is important and appropriate to honor and celebrate “Mader’s” legacy which runs so deep within the Lakeville/Lakeville North Volleyball program. It is our honor to welcome you to the 1st annual Lakeville North Panthers Milan Mader Invitational.
More details for the 2025 Milan Mader Invitational coming soon.
