Wayne’s Iron Man Visit Gallery

Photos by Wayne Gallasch and Tom Lincir.  © GMV Bodybuilding.

Mabel Rader, RIP

It is with sadness that I report the passing of Mabel Rader on 21st December 2024. She and Peary were very dear friends, and in 1983 I made a visit to their Iron Man offices in Alliance, Nebraska. See photo left. It is hard to believe that was 41 years ago.

Mabel certainly lived to a very great age, passing at 107.

Mabel and Peary Rader were partners, publishing Iron Man Magazine from 1936 to 1986 when it was sold to John Balik and Mike Neveux. Mabel was the first woman to hold an official card in all three sports of powerlifting, bodybuilding and Olympic lifting. As the first chairperson for women’s weightlifting in USA she achieved a huge amount for women in the strength sports, and in women’s weightlifting in particular.