Joseph Schrader, 89, of Dowagiac, passed away at 4:40 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009, at Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital.

Joseph’s life began on Jan. 27, 1920, in Dowagiac, the son of Edward and LaVina (Daugherty) Schrader.

He was united in marriage to Marjorie C. Cain on July 30, 1954, in Niles.
He served his country proudly in the U.S. Army.

He retired from Tyler Refrigeration after 40 years of service.

A former member of the Indian Lake Volunteer Fire Department, he was a long-time member at Silver Creek United Methodist Church.

His loving family includes: his children, Deborah (Dan) Hassenpflug of Encino, Calif.; Wanda (John) Schrader-Santoro of Alameda, Calif.; Shirley (Brian) Harvey of San Leandro, Calif.; Robert ( Mary) Schrader of Dowagiac and foster son Charles( Donna) Zook of Cassopolis; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Joseph was preceded in death by: his wife, Marjorie; his sister, Margaret Byrd; and brothers Ed, Ted, and Don Schrader.

His family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at McLauchlin-Clark Funeral Home, Dowagiac, where his memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday led by Pastor Julie Greyerbiehl.

Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to Silver Creek United Methodist Church.

Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Joseph at www.mclauchlin-clark.com.