It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Fredrick John Schraeder (Fred) on March 21, 2020 at the age of 92 years. Funeral services will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church at a later date – when it is safe to do so.
Fred was born on October 27, 1927 in Unity, SK – the 9th child of 14 born to Fredrick and Walburga Schraeder. He is predeceased by both his parents, and his siblings – Peter, Theresa, Francis, Elizabeth, Joseph, Cecelia, Alphonse, George, Laurence and John. He is survived by siblings – Daniel (Marlene), Ida and Dorothy (Ken) and sister-in-law Katie and a multitude of nieces and nephews.
Fred married the love of his life, Helen (Gerein) on October 18, 1950 and they were happily married for 69 years. Together they raised 4 children and were blessed with 13 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. Fred loved them all and so enjoyed their visits and chats.
Fred began his working career on the family farm, just outside of Reward, SK, – learning and doing everything related to farming back in the day. Over the course of his work life Fred held many different jobs and did everything from farm work, to construction, to labourer in grain terminals and at the Unity Salt Plant. He found his true calling when he became Boiler Operator/Maintenance man at the Unity Hospital; Clerk of the Works building the new hospital in Unity; Chief Engineer/Boiler Operator at the Vermilion Hospital in Alberta; Clerk of the Works on the Catholic School expansion; and finally Chief Maintenance Engineer/Boiler Operator at Queen Victoria Hospital here in Revelstoke, BC.
After retirement in 1988 Fred was always helping out with his handyman skills wherever he could. He gave generously of his time, skills and knowledge his whole life. He particularly liked to help when any of the family had a renovation, construction or yard work project going on – he was always there to help. He took on looking after the maintenance at the church, the seniors centre, and their condo for many years. He also had to join the Actors Guild when appearing in a TV commercial for Chrysler.
In his leisure, Fred enjoyed camping, fishing, playing cards & games, bowling, carpet bowling, socializing and loved dancing and listening to music. Fred was very involved with the Knights of Columbus for over 60 years and was Grand Knight for Council #4712 for a term. He held positions on school boards, parish councils, helped coach little league, was part of the 4-H Club and the cadet parent group, and was President of the Revelstoke Seniors Association for 7.5 years. He enjoyed being involved in his community and church and worked hard with fundraising, always a firm believer in volunteerism and obviously keeping busy.
Fred also loved automobiles and over his lifetime owned 81 vehicles (new and used). This includes trucks and cars of all makes and models and the many motorized RV’s that they camped in. Fred bought his first vehicle in 1949 – a 1928 Reo one-ton truck and his last vehicle purchased was a 2009 Kia Rio car. Starting his driving adventures in a Reo and ending them in a Rio. He took great pride in teaching all of his children to drive and maintain their vehicles and passed on that same knowledge to many of the grandchildren.
Family and faith was foremost in Fred’s life. He cherished and was so proud of all his family. He leaves behind a large and lasting legacy in his loving wife Helen, his sons – Matt and Al (Candice); his daughters – Yvonne (Ken) Thompson and Jean (Sonny) Pedersen. 13 Grandchildren: Chelan (Corry) Sabiston; John (Crystal) Sali; Malia (Jeff) Fitzpatrick; Bryan (Anne Huizinga) Sali; Starla Henderson; Leah Wood; Dayna (Chase) Elliott; Kirei Thompson; Blaine (Kate Woofenden-Gow) Schraeder; Justin (Angela Bower) Schraeder; Jeremy (Caroline) Pedersen; Neil Pedersen and Rob (Shayne) Pedersen.
23 Great Grandchildren: Sidney, Sailor, Alexis, Jette, Violet, Brevin, Copeland, Ciel, Vaya, Maya, Nic, Jasper, Adelina, Camdyn, Begbie, Gavin, Monty, Declan, Walter, Jaya, Chad, Rae-Lynn and Kira.
Fred was an amazing, soft spoken man – wonderful husband, loving father, ‘grand’ and ‘great’ beyond words. He was our role model, teacher, mentor, steadfast patriarch and loyal friend. He will be deeply missed.
*He was handy with a hammer and saw.*
The Family wishes to thank Dr. Molder for his dedicated care over the years, Nurse Practitioner Anne Marie Gill, the caring staff at the Moberly Manor Day Program, the nursing staff at QVH, Home Care workers, and the care staff at Cottage D – Mt. Cartier Court for his respite care.
Messages of sympathy may be sent to Fred’s family by viewing his obituary at:
www.brandonbowersfuneralhome.com
Cremation arrangements are in the care of Brandon Bowers Funeral Home, Revelstoke.
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