Leslie Dean Shrader

February 25, 1925 - October 27, 2017

Leslie Dean Shrader, 92, of Oskaloosa, died Friday, October 27, 2017, at the MHP Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. He was born February 25, 1925, in Lucas County, Iowa, the son of Guy and Roxie McFarland Shrader. He graduated 8th grade from Brush College Country School near Russell. He went on to graduate from Russell High School with the class of 1943. When Leslie was 18 his father died. Leslie stayed on the family farm and taught himself to continue the farming operation with horses. On August 26, 1945, he was united in marriage to Helen Moody at Russell, Iowa. The two of them moved to her parents’ farm and helped them for a time. Next, the couple moved to a farm near Williamson, Iowa, where Leslie helped his brother in law Verne Vincent farm. In 1955, the family moved to an acreage near Oskaloosa. Leslie farmed that ground, but also took a job at Clow Valve. After 13 years at Clow, he went to work for Oskaloosa Oil delivering LP and working on tank heaters. In 1978, he took a job at Pella Corporation. He retired from there in 1989. In retirement helped the Smith Family mow at Edmundson Golf Course. He was a 50 plus year member of the Central United Methodist Church in Oskaloosa. He enjoyed putting together jigsaw puzzles, square dancing, and volunteering at the Ecumenical Cupboard. He also enjoyed the outdoors, and watching sporting events. He and Helen always looked forward to attending the grandchildren’s events. Leslie delighted in spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife of over 72 years, Helen Shrader of Oskaloosa; three sons and their wives, Gary and Elaine Shrader of Oskaloosa, Charles “Chuck” and Judy Shrader of Harvey, and Michael and Anita Shrader of Oskaloosa; six grandchildren, Scott, Angie, Melissa, Jennifer, Justin, and Christopher; eight great grandchildren; three step grandchildren; four step great grandchildren; a step great great grandson; a brother, Ted (Janice) Shrader of Springfield, Missouri; a sister, Barbara Steinbach of Chariton, Iowa; a brother in law, Leo Sellers of Chariton; a sister in law, Joye Shrader of Monroe, Louisiana; and many nieces and nephews. Leslie was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Cleo Shrader; three sisters, Rosebud Vincent, Dorothy Sellers, and JoAnn Jamieson; and a brother in law, Jim Steinbach. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 1, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. in the Central United Methodist Church in Oskaloosa with Reverend Bruce Wittern officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Tuesday after 10 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5-7 to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to the Central United Methodist Church or MHP Hospice Serenity House.