WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Charles A. Schrader, age 89 of Centreville, Michigan went to be
reunited with the love of his life his wife Blackie early Tuesday
morning December 1, 2009 at his home.
He was born July 18, 1920 in Grass Lake a son to the late Charles and
Zella (DeLong) Schrader.
Charles had resided nearly his whole life in the Centreville and Sturgis
area.
On October 5, 1940 he married Orretta Caroline “Blackie” Krontz in
Sturgis. She died April 6, 2005.
Most of his working life was involved in the construction industry. He
owned and operated Schrader Construction Company for many years and he
had been employed as a foreman at Land of Lakes Lumber Company in
Findley, Mi for several years. He also owned and operated with his wife
Schrader Domestic for a number of years. Some of his early places of
employment included working as a tenant farmer on the Joe Sturgis Farm
and he was an extra gang member with the New York Central Railroad.
Charles attended the New Beginnings Church and the Sturgis Bible Chapel
for many years.
He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing and his work. Charles
cherished time spent with his family especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by Three Daughters; Mary and Ronald Davis of Iron River,
Ola Player of Quinnesek and Leslie and James Pappas of Burr Oak, Two
Sons; Charles and Faythe Graber-Schrader of Centreville and Jimmie and
Betty Schrader of Centreville, 23 Grandchildren, 50 Great Grandchildren,
20 Great Great Grandchildren, One Sister; Abigail Augerbright of
Centreville, One Brother; Leslie (Kathy) Schrader of Colon,
Brother-in-law; Millard Earl (Martine) Harvey of Colon, Sister-in-law;
Lorraine Alexander of Three Rivers, many nieces and nephews including
the niece he raised as a daughter and his caregiver; Edith Moore of
Centreville. The family would also like to acknowledge his other
caregivers; Jill Counter and Jodi Shears both of Centreville, former
caregiver; Mary Lou Dentler-McNeal of Inverness, Florida, former
caregiver and special friend Rebecca Pappas of Sturgis and special
friend Charles Davis of Three Rivers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, daughter and son-in-law;
Edith and Ray Davis, son-in-law; Charles Player, 3 grandsons; Jonnie
Davis, Jason Schrader and Clay Pappas, seven sisters and one brother.
The family will receive friends from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 P.M. Friday
and 1:30-2:15 PM Saturday at the Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Hackman
Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-2331. Funeral
services celebrating the life of Charles A. Schrader will be held at
2:30 P.M. Saturday at the funeral home. Mr. Larry Wallman will
officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at the Nottawa
Cemetery in Nottawa.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr.
Schrader’s memory consider the St. Joseph Commission on Aging, 103 S.
Douglas St., Three Rivers, MI 49093.
