Emmett “Pete” Schrader, 92, of Warsaw, passed away March 16, 2024 at River Hills Village in
Keokuk, IA. He was born on March 7, 1932, the fifth child of Daniel and Emma (Meyer)
Schrader on a farm near Sutter, Il. From fourth through eighth grade at Sutter Grade School, he
was the only child in his class. While working for a farmer during high school, the farmer
stopped at his brother Melvin’s store in Sutter. The farmer said he could never remember the
name Emmett, so Melvin said to just call him Pete, and his younger brother, Paul “Repete”. The
nickname “Pete” for Emmett was a part of him the rest of his life.
Pete graduated from Warsaw High School in 1950, earning his football letter all four years.
After graduation he was drafted into the US Army in 1952, where he served in the Third
Armored Infantry. After discharge, he started farming with his father on the family farm in Sutter.
He met his wife Linda Kuhn on a blind date, and they were married in August 1965. She
survives. Pete farmed for many years and enjoyed raising and feeding cattle with his
Harvestores. In addition to farming, he was a self-taught electrician as well as a substitute rural
mail carrier.
He was a lifetime member of the Bethlehem United Church of Christ and served many terms on
the Church Council. He was an active supporter of the Warsaw FFA Chapter. He also served as
Wythe Townership Supervisor for several years and was a founding member of the Hancock
County Beef Association.
Pete enjoyed spending time with his family, including fishing in the two ponds he helped build on
his farm. He enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends throughout the US and even to Europe,
often making homemade ice cream for all to enjoy. After retirement, he started woodworking,
making projects that he shared with many throughout the local community. In 2013 he went on
the Great River Honor Flight trip to Washinton D.C, a trip to honor Veterans. Although Pete
leaves behind many handmade items, his greatest legacy will be his love for his family and the
values he instilled in them.
He is survived by his wife, Linda, of Warsaw, a daughter Michelle (Mike) Klotzbach of St. Peters,
MO and a son Shawn (Melissa) Schrader of Muscatine, IA, four grandchildren Seth and Will
Klotzbach and Ethan and Aidan Schrader.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Albertha and Dorthy, and brothers Melvin,
Wilfred and Paul.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Bethlehem
United Church of Christ, Sutter, IL. Family will meet with friends starting at 10 am that day.
Memorial donations may be made to Bethlehem United Church of Christ Memorial Fund or the
Warsaw FFA Chapter.