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Thomas R. “Sac” Schrader of Mendon went to be with the Lord on Nov. 12, 2011.
Tom was born Aug. 23, 1944, in Sturgis, a son of the late DeWayne and Arlene (Barnes) Schrader.
After graduating from Mendon High School, where he excelled in football. Tom enlisted in the Army and served his country honorably from 1963 until his discharge in 1968.
On July 27, 1974, he married the love of his life, Mary E. Orbeck. They built their home near Mendon, where they raised their two children, Brock and Katie, and became strong and supportive members of the community. Tom retired from American Axle in 2007. He was an avid gardener, and loved to share the fruits of his labor with friends and neighbors. He also enjoyed watching their children excel in sports. Tom remained supportive of Mendon athletics, and was a regular along the fence at football games. He loved the outdoors, and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also loved spending time with his faithful dogs. Tom’s passing comes too soon, and he will be missed by all who knew him.
Tom leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Mary; a daughter, Katie (Ryan) Lukeman; three grandchildren, Kylie, Evan and Graye “Gracie” Lukeman; two sisters, Beverly (Abram) DeVogel of Queen Valley, Ariz., and Nancy Overton of Mendon; three sisters-in-law, Jo Ann Klok, Janet (Peter) Johnson and Susan (Alec) Cumming; a brother-in-law, Garret Orbeck; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Brock; his father, DeWayne Schrader; and his mother, Arlene Moyer.
A service to celebrate Tom’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Second Reformed Church, 2323 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, with Pastor Kevin Hart officiating.
The family will receive friends from 9:30-11 a.m. prior to the service, and a reception will follow. Memorials may be directed to the Second Reformed Church.
