William Schrader

1929-2009
In Memoriam

Long time Vista del Lago resident Bill Schrader died on June 23 at the age of 80. Bill was born on April 14, 1929 in Ludington, Michigan. After attending the Indiana Institute of Technology, where he earned degrees in Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Bill served his country by enlisting in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.  His military service included a tour in the Philippine Islands where he served as a radio operator.

Bill’s civilian career included engineering assignments for General Motors, RCA, Gould Manufacturing and Honeywell Corporation.  Early in his career, Bill found time and had the talent to earn his private pilot’s license and served in the Civil Air Patrol.

Bill and Betty retired and moved to Lakeside in 1993. During his 15 years here Bill volunteered to serve the Lakeside community in many ways, such as:

Lake Chapala Society Facilities Director/President, The Humane Society
Maintenance Director, Vista del Lago/Treasurer, Haack Foundation/President, Vista del Lago.

In addition, Bill enjoyed his retirement years as a writer of many short stories and is the author of three novels, Kiss My Tears Away, The Lonely Road and The Healing Road.

A dedication ceremony and memorial for Bill Schrader was held at the Lake Chapala Society on July 2, 2009, attended by his wife, Betty, daughters Cyan Schrader, Pia Heldt and son-in-law Phillip Heldt and many friends from the Lakeside community.

Bill proposed and designed the LCS Gazebo and at this ceremony the facility was named “The Bill Schrader Gazebo” by the President of the Lake Chapala Society, Nancy Creevan.

Bill Schrader was a familiar and friendly face for years Lakeside and will be sadly missed by his many friends and neighbors.