Lawrence Schrader

Lawrence Dale "Larry" Schrader, age 58, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away unexpectedly in the early morning hours of March 7, 2011. He was born on August 18, 1952 in Muskegon, to Charles and Jennie Schrader, graduated from Fruitport High School, served in the United States Army, and earned his Bachelor's degree from Grand Valley State University. He was CFO of Challenge Machinery in Norton Shores, where he was employed for 25 years. Larry was a patient, selfless, hard working man of integrity, with a unique sense of humor and a deep love for his family, which included his high school sweetheart and wife of 37 years, Debra (Staszczyk) Schrader; three accomplished children, Rene' (Patrick) Kemp of Grand Haven, Sara (Joseph) Bizon of Hart and Chad (Kimberly) Schrader of Stuart FL. He loved being "Papa" to his four grandsons, Owen, Eli, J.J. and Charlie, who shared his love for nature at "Seba Lodge", that he lovingly called home. He is also survived by his mother, Jennie, brother, Tom Schrader and sisters, Sherry (Marty) Ippel and Laura (Tim) Kies. He was blessed with the deep and long-lasting friendship of his "Buds", a special band of brothers from Fruitport High School who have spent the last 40+ years hunting for the elusive "Big Buck". As his son fondly wrote, "On his 40th season, he took his last shot. Some say he missed, but I disagree. He loved nature too much... I think he aimed for that tree." He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 12th at 12:00 noon at the Ferrysburg Community Church, 17785 Mohawk Drive, Spring Lake. Visitation begins at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Larry Schrader Memorial Fund (Lake Michigan Credit Union) to purchase a memorial at Frederik Meijer Gardens. Arrangements were entrusted to the Michigan Cremation Company, Grand Rapids. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Lawrence Schrader, please visit our flower store.