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

His family received friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, at McLauchlin-Clark Funeral Home, Dowagiac, where his memorial service was held at 7 p.m. led by Pastor Julie Greyerbiehl.

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 United States Army.

He retied from Tyler Refrigeration in Niles after 40 years of service.

He was a former member of the Indiana 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-Santorn 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.

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

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.
Arrangements were by McLauchlin-Clark Funeral Home, Dowagiac.