Marvin C. "Marv" Schrader

Marvin “Marv” Curtis Schrader, age 88, passed away Friday, July 24, 2026, at United Hospital surrounded by family.

Marvin Curtis Schrader was born December 28, 1937 in Northfield, MN to Fred and Gladys (Kern) Schrader. The 5th of 6 children, Marv was a very curious and adventurous child. He grew up on a farm in Bridgewater Township, west of Dundas, MN. He attended District 97, a one room school, for his first eight years of schooling. In his youth, he was very involved with the 4-H club and also with FFA. In high school, he was involved with different organizations including student government where he was class president. He graduated from Northfield High School in 1955 and went to University of Minnesota. He majored in dairy husbandry and while there, joined the Air Force ROTC program. After graduation in 1959, he married Sara Margaret Nesseth on July 11th, 1959, at Vang Lutheran Church in Holden Township. In March of 1960, they left for Texas and pilot training. He spent seven and half years in the Air Force as a pilot, flying bombers and tanker aircraft in SAC. He joined Western Airlines in 1967. He was called back to the Air Force January 1968 during the Vietnam War until June 1969. He spent the rest of his flying career with Western and then Delta Airlines. He retired in 1995.

Marvin was a world traveler, travelling to 6 of the 7 continents, with 50 trips in 30 years, most with his wife, Sara. His favorite trips were to Vietnam and South Africa. Another memorable trip was a mission trip to Tanzania. After he retired, he and Sara spent their winters in Surprise, Arizona where he showed off his theatrical chops with the Happy Trails Theatre Group. He spent his retirement years in service, volunteering at Nature Bend River Center, Sertoma and Rotary clubs. He even learned how to roll lefse and make rosettes for the lutefisk dinner which he chaired for 10 years at First English Lutheran church.

Marv was happiest when he was surrounded by family, especially spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He devoted his life providing for his family and making sure others were cared for. His sense of humor and generous spirit will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Sara (Nesseth) Schrader. His children, Perry Schrader of Stillwater, MN (sons, Chaz & Bryce Cernous-Schrader), Wendy Smith Becker, (Tim) of Dundas, MN {children Ryan (Becky) Becker, Sara (Cole) Jansen, Cory Becker, Abby Smith & Caleb (Crystal) Becker}, and Brenda Schrader of Superior, WI (stepson, Scott Tyler and Bailey Johnson). His great grandchildren Ian & Blake Jansen (Sara & Cole) and Kinslee & Callahan Becker (Caleb & Crystal). His sister, Ardis Liebenstein of Dundas, MN and Forest “Woody” Schrader (Ione) of Faribault, MN and numerous nieces and nephews.

Marvin was preceded in death by both his parents, his brother, Kenny, and sisters, Marilyn & Eileen.

Memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at First English Lutheran Church in Faribault. Military Honors provided by the Rice County Central Veterans Association will take place outside the church following the service. Interment will be held at Meadow Ridge Memorial Park.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. at Parker Kohl Funeral Home and will continue from 9:30 to 11:00 A.M. at church.

Memorials are preferred to Habitat for Humanity or to a Scholarship in Marv’s honor through the Rotary Strive Program.

Funeral arrangements are being completed by Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory.