Frankie Schrader

Frankie Ellen (Watson) Schrader passed away surrounded by her family on Sunday, January 29, 2023 at the age of 87 after a long journey with dementia.

Frankie was born on June 28, 1935 to Fred (Ted) and Jenny (Prevo) Watson in Vigo County Indiana.  Frankie was the sister of James (Linda) Watson all of whom have proceeded her. 

Frankie graduated from Prairie Creek High School in 1953.  She would joke that she graduated in the top ten of her class, of ten.

She and her girlfriend moved to Terre Haute to live with a teacher after graduation so that they could work.  Frankie met her future husband Wayne there by chance while at a friend’s home that summer, and they were married on December 26, 1953.  

The couple moved to Fort Wayne in 1962 during a snow storm and remained in the area the remainder of their lives.  

Frankie was a wife and homemaker to Wayne and their three children all of her life.  Her favorite job was as a volunteer at Lutheran Hospital on Fairfield.  Additionally Frankie and Wayne owned and operated Schrader Sheet Metal and the Candlelite Reception Hall.

Frankie enjoyed decades of fun with her monthly euchre club and traveling with Wayne and their friends all over the United States.

Frankie is survived by her husband of 69 years Wayne, their children Debra (David) McCarthy, Steven Schrader and Amy (James) Pheifer.  Three grandchildren Jennifer (Keith) Pranger, Christi (Cory) Hudson and H. Bruce Sheehan II as well as six great–grandchildren.  

The family would like to thank the staff at Golden Years Homestead for the care and love they have shown for over two years in caring for Frankie and supporting Wayne.

In lieu of flowers; memorials may be made to Gethsemane Lutheran Church or the Shrine Hospital. 

Visitation will be on Thursday, February 2 from 3 – 7 PM at Gethsemane Lutheran Church located at 1505 Bethany Lane, Fort Wayne IN  

Funeral Service will be on Friday, February 3 at 11:00 AM with visitation an hour prior.

Frankie will be laid to rest at Highland Park Cemetery & Mausoleum. 

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