Schrader, Rodger Wayne d. 2006

SCHRADER, CALLAHAN, CLARK

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 7/29/2006 at 20:37:59

Rodger Wayne Schrader of Knoxville went home to be with his savior, our Lord Jesus Christ, on June 6, 2006.

Beloved husband and "forever friend" of Sherry (Callahan) Schrader. Loving father and friend of Jon of Random Lake, Wis., Tina Schrader-Berte of Milwaukee, Wis. and Keely Vassar of Random Lake, Wis. He was a devoted grandfather to 11 grandchildren. Dear son of Howard L. Schrader, and Wilma M. (Clark) Schrader of Newton; preceded in death by an infant brother Sonny. Fond brother of, Janet Kephart of Brooklyn, Garrold Schrader of Newton, Susan Steinmann of Wasilla, Alaska, Phyllis Parsons of Newton and Deanna Mettler of Des Moines. Further survived by multiple nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Rodger entered the US Navy at age 17. He served as a petty officer- 3rd class during the Cuban Conflict. Rodger was fortunate to have visited every continent except Africa in his world travels while serving his country.

His work ethic took him through to several different endeavors as a master electrician and entrepreneur of three companies in the electrical contracting, engineering and ammonia technology fields, as well as utilities manager over refrigeration, boiler and utilities operations for Smithfield Foods, one of the world's largest meat processing organizations.

Rodger was a member of the Community of Christ Church and the Odd Fellows organization. In addition, he served as Safety Director for Gold Wing Chapter F out of Kenosha, Wis. He was very active in the scouting community for many years while his children were growing up. Rodger was honored to be an active part of Relay for Life and enjoyed helping raise money for cancer research of which he credited for extending his life by 13 years once diagnosed with Lung cancer.

Rodger loved and enjoyed family, people in general, nature, horses and country living, hunting and fishing in Canada, all types of travel (especially on his Gold Wing Motorcycle), canoeing, NASCAR racing, snow skiing, horticulture, John Wayne movies and an old dog named Duke and a horse named Joker. He was known among friends and relatives for his Good Samaritanship and his own unique brand of humor.

Funeral services were held on June 10 at the Community of Christ Church with Elder Bill McDonald officiating. Interment was in Dunreath Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

The Knoxville Journal Express, June 30, 2006