LaVerne "Vern" Robert Schrader

       A life-long Chesterton resident and WW11 veteran, LaVerne Robert Schrader passed away peacefully on February 28, 2022 at age 98 .  “Vern” was born on September 3, 1923 in Porter, IN and was preceded in death by his parents William and Martha Schrader, his two brothers, Carl (Marie) Schrader and Grant Lou (Delores) Schrader, and a sister, Marjorie (Jay) Foster as well as his loving wife, Anne Sipa Schrader 1948-1997, and Ruth Young Schrader 1997-2012. Vern is survived by a supportive friend, Renie Williamson, son, Robert (Janice) Schrader of Westville, IN, devoted daughter, Debra (Martin) Kreczmer of Round Rock, TX, and 5 beloved grandchildren, Michelle (Nicholas) Ruff of Chesterton, IN, Robert Schrader of Chesterton, IN, Joshua Kreczmer of Round Rock, TX, Justin (Elyse) Kreczmer of Hutto, TX, and Joseph (LoraGrace) Kreczmer of Round Rock, TX along with a nephew, 2 nieces and many friends. 

        LaVerne was a life-long resident of Chesterton. He graduated from Chesterton High School in 1941 and served in the U.S. Army for three years, deployed in several countries and receiving an honorable discharge. He recently was presented with a Quilt of Valor for his service. He was an active member of Augsburg Lutheran Church for many years, where he acted as treasurer, Sunday School teacher, and was instrumental in starting Augsburg’s Pre-Kindergarten program. Vern continued to aid his community by being a Boy Scout leader and earning the Beaver and Lamb awards. Woodcarving was a creative skill Vern had and shared his talents with many young woodcarvers and won countless awards even writing a book about carving chess pieces. He was the editor of Chips & Chat woodcarving newsletter and authored an autobiography, joke, children’s book, and many other fiction novels. Vern was a member of the Griffith Rotary Club and functioned as president. He worked at U. S. Steel in accounting and was the Financial Officer of the United Way until his retirement.  

         LaVerne was a loving father and grandfather. He enjoyed sharing his passion of model trains, going to pumpkin patches, and canoeing with them at his lake house. Vern never met a stranger and loved to laugh and joke with everyone.  Vern lived an incredibly full and blessed life and will be missed by family, friends, and the Chesterton community. 

       The family would like to thank Story Point Retirement Community and all of the incredible staff as well as Duneland Hospice for their tender and loving care of Vern. 

       Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 11, 2022 at 1 p.m. at White-Love Funeral Home, 525 S 2nd St., Chesterton, IN with a visitation from 12 p.m. until time of service. Burial will follow at Chesterton Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 10, 2022 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

       Memorials may be given to: Augsburg Evangelical Lutheran Church, 100 N Mineral Springs Rd, Porter, IN 46304.

Please share your wonderful memories with the family at: www.whitelovefuneralhome.com.

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