Florence Elizabeth Schrader

Mrs. Florence Elizabeth Schrader, 87 of Ubly, passed away Tuesday morning, December 2, 2014 at her residence after a short battle with cancer with her daughter by her side while under hospice care. Florence was born on September 20, 1927 in Filion, MI to the late Stanley and Anna (Klert) Kologek. She married Frank (Bukowski) Brooks on July 10, 1948. On September 8, 1948 he was tragically killed in a plane crash. Florence married Gerald W. Schrader on October 26, 1949 in Ubly and they shared 52 wonderful years together before he preceded her in death on June 29, 2001. She was a 1945 graduate of Bad Axe High School. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ubly where she served as clerk of the session for 20 years, held the position of elder numerous times and was a member of the church choir. Florence and her husband, Gerald owned Ubly Tractor Sales, Inc. for 38 years and she was the bookkeeper for the business. Florence contributed her time and knowledge to her community in many different ways. She was elected Village Treasurer of Ubly and served as such for 34 consecutive years. She served the last three years on the village council and was recently elected to her second term. Most recently, she was presented with an outstanding achievement award in village government from Ubly Village’s President, Mark Brown. While village treasurer, Florence became involved with the Michigan Municipal League (MML) where she served as secretary, vice chair and the chair of MML Region V. She went on to serve on the MML Board of Trustees from 2003-2006. She was then appointed to the MML Foundation Board in 2006 to the present. Florence was initiated into the Ubly Miriam Chapter #214 Order of the Eastern Start in September of 1951. She held an office position every year, including serving as Worthy Matron 12 times and Office of Secretary for 25 years. She was a State Committee member in 1973-1974 and served as Grand chaplain from 1981-1982. She then became a member of the Villa Board of Control from 1984-2000. Florence held several Huron County and Thumb Association offices. She was a lifetime member of the Grand Chapter Order of Eastern State of MI and the Bay Chapter #219 of Bay City. Florence was a founding member of the Bingham Township Ambulance Service where she served as an EMT until the young age of 75. She spent many years serving on the ambulance with her son Larry and daughter Susan. She was EMT of the Year three times and held the offices of coordinator and treasurer. She was presented with the lifetime achievement award from Bingham Township Ambulance. In March of 2012, Florence was awarded a certificate of appreciation for ten years of honorable and faithful support from the National Law Enforcement Department. In her younger years, Florence was a member of the Ubly PTA and several other community organizations. She participated in the Ubly Alabama Jubilees. Florence was the co-author of the village of Ubly History Book and was awarded the community service award in August of 1996 during the 100th anniversary celebration for the Village of Ubly. She also volunteered at the Huron Medical Center for three and a half years until her health began to decline. Florence loved to travel and truly enjoyed driving across the country with her daughter Susan and their travel companion, Pixie. The trio visited 49 states, Canada and Mexico. While on a trip, Florence got to be a participant on The Price Is Right. She enjoyed bowling and was on the Stasia Fisher bowling team and made it to the State Bowling Finals. She also enjoyed fishing, reading, crossword puzzles, garage/estate sales and game shows. Florence loved attending all activities that included her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. One of Florence’s passions in life was time spent with her family. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her pride and joy. Florence is survived by her four children, Larry and his wife, Janice of Ubly, Trudy Schrader of Bad Axe, Ken and his wife, Lou of Boyne City, Susan Schrader of Ubly; 7 grandchildren, Bryan (Karissa) Schrader, Janelle (Danny) Pallas, Ashley Schrader (Joe Smith), Leann (Matt) Emeott, Dustin Schrader, Nicholas Schrader and Kylee Schrader-Talaski (Joe Decker); 10 great grandchildren, Ethan and Blake Schrader, Brynn and Bria Pallas, Bryce and Reece Smith, Madalynn, Kennedy and Parker Emeott, Jackson Decker; two sisters-in-law, Vita Kologek and Lottie Kologek; many nieces and nephew; special niece, Betty Tomlins; special friend, Kelly Pearce; very special neighbors, Tom and Julie O’Connor; her devoted dog, Pixie. Florence was preceded in death by seven sisters and their husbands, Sophia (John) Balfour, Selma (Nick) Bambach, Clara (Burt) Sanborn, Frances (Mike) Murray, Ann (Steve) Protzman, Helen (Jim) Kurtti, Arlene Dailey; three brothers, Peter Brooks and his wife, Florence, William and Raymond Kologek; an infant brother; brother-in-law Verne Schrader and his wives Florence and Madelyn, sister-in-law, Mary Lou Geboski and her husband, John Jr.; her godson, John Beaudin. The funeral service for Florence will be 11:00 am Saturday, December 6 at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly. Retired Pastor and family friend George Gillett will officiate. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday from 2:00-8:00 pm and Saturday from 10:00-11:00 am. There will be an Order of the Eastern Star Memorial service Friday evening at 7:00 pm at the funeral home. Memorials have been requested to the Ubly Village Park Improvement Fund, Order of the Eastern Star Benevolence Fund, the Sleeper Public Library. Or the donor’s choice.