Donald J. Schrader, 88, of Mitchell, SD, died Wednesday, August 18, 2021, at Avantara Watertown in Watertown, SD. Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Saturday, September 4, at Bittner Funeral Chapel in Mitchell, SD. Burial will be at Emery Community Cemetery in Emery. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.
Donald J. Schrader was born February 12, 1933 to Leonard and Edith (Meinerts) Schrader in Emery, SD. Donald grew up near Emery on the family farm. He attended country grade schools Taylor #4 and #5 and graduated from the 8th grade. He accepted Christ, was baptized, and became a member of First Baptist Church of Emery in 1943.
Donald was united in marriage to Jane Hofer on May 11, 1956 in Emery, and to this union they had four children.
Donald and Jane farmed southwest of Emery until 1990 when they moved to Mitchell. He loved gardening, walking the neighborhood, and talking to people.
Donald is survived by his wife, Jane; sons, Eugene Schrader of Sioux Falls, Vernon (Dawn) Schrader of Fort Gibson, OK, and David (Kristi) Schrader of Broken Arrow, OK; daughter, Norma (Brad) Arend of Summit, SD; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild; brother, Milton (Lovella) Schrader of Alexandria; and sister, Evelyn Voss of Benbrook, TX.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Marilyn Schrader, parents, Leonard and Edith (who died of cancer when he was 6), and stepmother Erna Schrader.