Serving West Michigan Since 1899

Joseph Schrader

April 2, 1936 - March 10, 2018
Fort Myers, FL

//cdn.lifestorynet.com/obituaries/019/121312/121312-00.jpg

Life Story / Obituary


Print

Joseph Lee Schrader peacefully passed at his home in Ft. Myers, Florida on March 10, 2018 just shy of his 82nd birthday. Although he spent some of his childhood years in Cincinnati, Ohio and his later years in Ft. Myers, Florida, he always considered Michigan his true home. He was born April 2, 1936 in Alpena, Michigan to Leon Schrader and Evelyn Schrader, and was the younger brother of his special sister June Schrader.

He graduated from Central Michigan University. He married Carolyn M. Bartz of Hubbard Lake, Michigan and they celebrated 58 years of married life together. He spent many years as a human resources manager for Abitibi Corporation in Alpena, Michigan; Bear Archery in Grayling, Michigan; and United Technologies Automotive in Holland, Michigan. In addition, he spent a number of years as a journalist and photographer for the Crawford County Avalanche in Grayling, Michigan, a position which brought him great joy. In his retirement Joe was able to travel extensively with his wife Carol and enjoyed landscaping projects, taking pride in his lawn in their longtime home in Holland, Michigan, where they were awarded the Holland Area Beautification Award.

Joe is survived by his wife Carol; sons Jeffrey L. Schrader (Cheryl), Jay B. Schrader (Shannon), and James A. Schrader (Gwen); daughter Jenna J. Schaeffer (Cory); grandchildren Colin J. Schrader (Lindsey), Andrew J. Schrader (Amanda), Makenna A. Schrader, Matthew George Schrader, Joseph A. Schaeffer, Benjamin A. Schaeffer, Sam Alan Schrader, Shelby R. Schrader, Liliana M. Schaeffer, and Ella Marie B. Schrader; and great grandchild Calvin J. Schrader.

It was Joe’s wishes to be laid to rest in the family burial plot in Alpena, Michigan. Arrangements are by Dykstra Funeral Home – Downtown Chapel. To sign an on-line registry or leave a memory please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com