Harold Edwin Schrader was born on February 16, 1942 in Hanson County to Edwin H. and Sena Olthoff Schrader. He grew up on a farm south of Emery. He accepted Jesus as his personal Savior and upon his confession of faith was baptized by Rev. D. S. Wipf on March 25, 1951. Harold attended Taylor #5 country school and was graduated from Emery High School in 1960. Then he began his career in farming alongside his dad, and he joined the National Guard several years later. He enjoyed mechanics and did a lot of his own repair work.
On August 11, 1967, Harold married Sharon Hofer. They were blessed with four daughters: Sharilyn, Lorilee, Jilayne, and Karine. Harold especially enjoyed listening to them sing and play the piano, their saxophones, and his mom’s organ. Listening to the recordings of that music gave him much pleasure and encouragement, especially in recent years. Family was important to Harold, and he always took time to listen to and encourage them. Many holiday family gatherings were hosted in his home. Harold was a faithful member of First Baptist Church all his life. He served as a member of the Board of Christian Education, a deacon, a trustee, and an usher. He also taught junior high Sunday School for many years. He was a member of the Hanson County Extension Board for a time and served as treasurer of Taylor Township from 1983 to 2011. Harold loved spending time outdoors, and he enjoyed league bowling for over 40 years.
Throughout his life, including the time he was battling cancer, Harold often expressed his faith that God is in control and has a perfect plan for our lives. He valiantly fought the disease with chemotherapy and radiation, but he assured his family that he was ready to die if that was God’s will. Harold passed away surrounded by his family on October 18, 2011, having reached the age of 69 years, 8 months, and 2 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; one unborn grandson; his father-in-law, David P. Hofer; his sister-in-law, Marlene Rogers; and his niece, JoEll Rogers. Looking forward to a great reunion in heaven are his wife Sharon of Emery; four daughters: Sharilyn (Douglas) Fehr of Maple Grove, MN; Lorilee Schrader of Lincoln, NE; Jilayne (Mark) Siewert of Sullivan, WI; and Karine (Matthew) Paulson of Sioux Falls, SD; five grandchildren: Shaelyse and Jeddiah Fehr, and Denalyn, Ramiya, and Kennrich Siewert; his mother-in-law, Elsie Hofer of Bridgewater, SD; three brothers-in-law: Arlen Hofer of Canton, SD; Gary (Marcella) Hofer of North Platte, NE; and Kent (Cindy) Hofer of Plainview, MN; and many other relatives and friends.
Those who knew Harold witnessed a life of faithfulness to the Lord. We believe he has claimed the promise of II Timothy 4:7-8: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
Memorials may be directed to First Baptist Church, Emery.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
God be with you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May you feel the love and support of God, your family and friends as you travel this road.
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Harold always went out of his way to visit with me when I made it home. He has now found a place where there is no suffering from the cancer.
Cindy Osterloo Archer