Wilfred Henry Schrader, 97, and Pensacola resident for 93 years, died December 12, 2013.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Etta Jakobik Schrader; two infant children, William Ronald Schrader and Susan Elsie Schrader and his cousins Robert Milton Hansel and Dorothea Hage.

Survivors include daughters, Dorothy Schrader (Richard Hartman) of Stillwater, OK and Sally Schrader Hart (Philip) of Grapevine, TX; grandchildren, Sarah Allison Hart of Brooklyn, NY, Bryan Schrader Hart (Jessica) of Washington, DC and Elizabeth Schrader Hartman of Austin, TX; his wife's eight nieces and nephews.

Born in Pine Bluff, AR in 1916 to William Christian and Anna (Schmidt) Schrader, he moved to Pensacola in 1921 when his father was called as pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church. He lived in the parsonage next door to the church on West Wright. A childhood friend recalled cruising the downtown streets with young Wilfred and his Irish Mail scooter and playing ball on the lawn between the parsonage and the church (an unfortunate incident which involved the boys having to replace a church window for $9). 

Graduating with the Pensacola High School Class of 1933, Mr. Schrader recalled a Depression-shortened school year with parents contributing to help fund teachers. Following high school, he worked at the downtown YMCA a short time before beginning his 49 year career with Pensacola Hardware. During WW II, he served in the United States Army at Camp Blanding, FL at the rank of technical sergeant.

Wilfred and Etta married in November, 1942 in Mobile, AL. After the war, they returned to Pensacola and built a house in East Hill. They loved Pensacola and shared its charms with many visitors and new residents but also enjoyed traveling all over North America and Europe. After attending the college graduations of each of his grandchildren in 2001, 2005, and 2009, he replaced his trips with maps and remained an enthusiastic armchair traveler. He also was fascinated with trains, both as a passenger and timetable/route devotee. 

Mr. Schrader actively participated in the Kiwanis Club of Pensacola, FL, Friends of the Library (Friend of the Library award, 2002-2003) and Friends of St. John's cemetery. He served faithfully at Immanuel Lutheran Church in many leadership positions, including congregation president, treasurer, and council member. He was active in two of his church's weekly outreach activities up until this past summer: the Braille Workers and the Saturday oatmeal breakfast for the community.

Moving to Wesley Haven Villa in 2012, Mr. Schrader enjoyed living downtown again, this time on E. Wright Street. He often walked to his bank (where he was always welcomed kindly by manager Randy Ard and teller Ellen Lamar), church and Pensacola Hardware where he would point out his picture on the back wall and say "I'm next."

The family would like to thank the Covenant Hospice Continuous Care team; the Wesley Haven staff, especially Debbie, Vera, Mia, Jen and Elaine; nephews, Ken and Jerry Johansen and niece Amy Ampt for their many visits; and John Eichelberger, whose neighborly help allowed Mr. Schrader to live independently in East Hill for 15 years.

Visitation will be held at Harper Morris Memorial Chapel on Monday, December 16, 2013 from 4:00-6:00pm. The Funeral Service will take place at 11:00am on Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 24 W. Wright St., preceded by visitation in the church parlor from 10:00-10:30am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 24 W. Wright St.; Covenant Hospice, 5041 N. 12th Ave., Pensacola, FL 32503 or the West Florida Public Library, 200 W. Gregory St., Pensacola, FL 32502.