Kenneth Francis Schrader

Kenneth (Ken) Francis Schrader, 77, of Lake Elmo, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. Born July 14, 1949, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, Ken's warm spirit, inviting smile, gentle nature, and generous heart made him loved by many, from family and friends to those he encountered throughout his life. Kind, patient, quick to smile, and always willing to lend a hand, Ken had a genuine way of making others feel welcome and cared for.

The son of Lester and May Schrader, Ken grew up on a farm near Easton and graduated from Wells-Easton High School in 1967. He served honorably in the United States Air Force, including time stationed in Japan, and was a proud veteran and lifetime member of American Legion Post 210.

Ken met his future wife, Julie, in 1971. Their relationship grew while Ken helped on the family farm of Julie's parents, Jerald and Kathleen Hiller. Ken and Julie married in 1973, and farming remained an important part of their early years together, with Ken farming until 1980. That experience, along with his own upbringing, gave him a lifelong appreciation for farming, hard work, and the farming community. They welcomed their sons, Brendon in 1975 and David in 1979. In 1980, the family moved to Mankato.

Ken later returned to school and became the first in his family to graduate from college, earning a bachelor's degree in geography from Minnesota State University, Mankato. He spent his career in the industrial and petroleum industries, eventually serving as General Manager of Zahl Equipment Service Company. Ken enjoyed working in industries where people got their hands dirty, the work was technical, and relationships mattered. His easy personality and genuine interest in people made building relationships second nature to him. Ken was a faithful member of Hosanna Lutheran Church. For many years, he was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mankato, where he regularly volunteered by assisting with communion and serving as an usher. His quiet dedication to serving others set a lasting example for his sons.

Of all the roles Ken held, none mattered more than being a husband, father, and grandfather. His love and devotion to Julie and their family influenced nearly everything he did. Ken and Julie enjoyed the simple things-traveling, spending time with family, and returning again and again to Minnesota's North Shore. Their marriage was built on love, mutual respect, and an unwavering commitment to one another and their family.

As a father, Ken was loving, easygoing, gentle, and present. He worked hard to provide his sons with opportunities and experiences, enjoying them right alongside them. Whether riding dirt bikes and snowmobiles, playing sports, taking family road trips, or simply spending time together, Ken was often just one of the kids, with a keen sense of humor and an infectious laugh. He was also an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings and other Minnesota professional and collegiate sports teams.

Perhaps nowhere captured Ken better than Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior. Trips to Lutsen became a treasured family tradition, always including a stop at the Duluth harbor to watch the iron ore ships pass through the canal. He loved the simple moments most: early morning coffee overlooking the lake, walking the ledge rocks, skipping rocks with his grandchildren, visiting Grand Marais, or sitting on the porch with Julie and taking in the scenery. Ken didn't need elaborate things to be happy; he simply enjoyed being with the people he loved.

Becoming a grandfather brought Ken tremendous joy. He adored Aidan, Owen, Elsa, and Annaliese and took a genuine interest in whatever mattered to them. Whether attending sporting events, concerts, and other activities or simply sharing a hug, his grandchildren always knew how much they meant to him.

In 2015, Ken was diagnosed with dementia and was later formally diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. For more than a decade, Ken, Julie, and the entire family faced the progression of the disease with extraordinary perseverance, compassion, courage, and love. The family remained steadfast in its commitment to keeping Ken at home and surrounded by those he loved for as long as possible, building an extensive circle of care around him as his needs increased.

Ken's perseverance throughout his illness was remarkable. Even as Alzheimer's gradually took away so much, the gentle man underneath remained. His family continued to recognize the smile, the warmth, and the spirit of the husband, father, grandfather, and friend they had always known. His journey also gave the family a profound appreciation for the caregivers who step into the lives of families facing Alzheimer's disease. The Schrader family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers who cared for Ken, including his special aides, Barbara Thomas and Calandra Brown, as well as the team at The Pillars Hospice Home, whose compassion and dedication surrounded Ken with dignity, comfort, and love during his final chapter.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife, Julie; his sons, Brendon (Carrie) and David (Justine); his grandchildren, Aidan, Owen, Elsa, and Annaliese; his brother-in-law, Leon Dulas; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and May (Driscoll) Schrader, and his sister, Shirley Dulas (who also passed away after her own journey with Alzheimer's disease), and his parents-in-law, Jerald and Kathleen (Carlson) Hiller.

A private ceremony celebrating Ken's life will be held in Stillwater, Minnesota. Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service with military honors on Friday, October 30 at 2 pm at Woodland Hills Memorial Park in Mankato, Minnesota.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be directed to the Ken Schrader Memorial Fund, established in Ken's memory. The fund will support individuals and families navigating Alzheimer's disease, honoring Ken's lifelong commitment to helping others.

Donations may be made at www.kenschraderfund.org.

For those wishing to share a personal note or expression of sympathy, cards, donations and correspondence may be mailed to the Schrader family at:

Bradshaw Funeral Home

Attention: The Schrader Family

2800 Curve Crest Boulevard, Stillwater, Minnesota 55082