Leonard W. Schrade

Leonard William Schrade

July 29, 1937-October 18, 2024, 87

Stillwater, MN

Leonard departed this life October 18, 2024, surrounded by family and after a long battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his wife of forty-one years, Carole Schrade, his parents William and May (nee Meissner) Schrade, and son-in-law, Tim Fitzenberger. He is survived by his daughters, Beth Wilson, Ronda Wilson, Eleanor (Dennis) Emond, and Angela (Todd) Smith; his grandchildren, Trevor (Katie) Wilson, Isaac Turley, Charlie Smith and Bennett Smith; his great-granddaughters Eiley and Fia Wilson; his sister, Lorna Schrade; and many other family and friends.

Leonard was born and raised in Stillwater, Minnesota and graduated from Stillwater High School in 1955. He was Assistant Fire Chief at the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant for 25 years, 32 years with the Stillwater Fire Department, he also worked for Muller Boatworks, Stillwater Water Department, and the Stillwater Area School District. He served over 29 years in the Army National Guard. He was a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church of Stillwater, 62 year member of the Elks Lodge #179 and 64 year member of St. John's Lodge #1.

His life was marked by serving others, he was an amazing storyteller and until his last days could remember people's names and details of stories. He was always quick with a joke or to tell you about "The World According to Leonard." He was an avid hunter, fisherman, boater, and camper. He spent decades boating on the St. Croix River and invited countless family members and friends to join him. He was a die hard Twins and Vikings fan.

Mostly Leonard was a devoted family man. He loved his time upriver on the St. Croix, around holiday tables, sitting in deer stands, attending concerts, plays, games, and graduations. He appreciated his family history and stories and never hesitated to share one of those stories or grab the opportunity to create new ones.

He spent his whole life serving and taking care of those around him. Now he can rest.

Memorials are preferred.