Josephine G. Schrader

Friday, June 3, 2005

(May 31, 1924 - June 1, 2005)

BENKELMAN -- Josephine Georgania Schrader, 81, died Wednesday (June 1, 2005), at Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman.

She was born May 31, 1924, in Max, to Jesse and Effie (Potter) Rowe. At the age of 18, Josephine took a job as the cook at the Morehouse Hospital in Benkelman.

She married Leon Schrader on Feb.18,1947, in Oberlin. They made their home in Benkelman. In 1963, the couple opened a TV and appliance store, known as Schrader Electric. In 1974, they decided to farm full-time.

Josephine was a charter member of the Trinity Baptist Church in Benkelman since its origin as a mission on May 7, 1961.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Effie Rowe; a daughter, Linda Kay Merklin; sisters, Marie and Cleta; twin brother, Joseph; and brothers Calvin and Marion.

Survivors include her husband, Leon Schrader of Benkelman; daughters, Joan Krutsinger and husband, Bobby of Benkelman, Kaylene Pracht and husband, Eugene of Broken Bow; brothers, Dean Rowe and wife, Evelyn of Seymore, Mo., Ival Rowe and wife, Wanda of Springfield, Mo.; sister-in-law, Katherine Rowe of Saginaw, Mo.; son-in-law, Wayne Merklin of Cordova, Alaska; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Monday, 11 a.m. (MDT), at Trinity Baptist Church in Benkelman with the Revs. Delbert Calloway, Matthew Price, and Vernon Whetstone officiating. Interment will be at the Benkelman Cemetery.

Visitation is Saturday from 9 a.m.-noon at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman.

Memorials may be given in her name.

Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman is in charge of arrangements.