Dallas Eugene Schrader

Dallas Eugene Schrader of Jefferson passed away on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at Accura Healthcare in Carroll, IA.  He was born November 22, 1928 on a farm near Bridgewater, IA to Otto and Golda (Gipple) Schrader.  Dallas’s 35th birthday was quite memorable for him as that was the day our 35th president was assassinated.

Dallas grew up on the family farm and attended local country grade school and graduated from Bridgewater High School in 1946.  No sports for him after school as it was time for farm harvest.  

He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1948, serving during the Korean conflict and spent his service in Alaska. Upon his honorable discharge, Dallas returned home and fell in love with his “next door farm neighbor,” Elma Eileen Rechtenbach.  The couple was married on December 20, 1953.  They became the parents of three children:  Jeffrey Allen, Pamela Ann, and Douglas Eugene.  Dallas and Elma would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this year.

Dallas attended the University of Iowa where he received his Bachelor’s degree in 1957 and began teaching.  They enjoyed living in their “tin-home” college housing in Iowa City.   While teaching, and during the summer months, Dallas worked towards his Master’s Degree, receiving it in 1967.   In addition to his academic achievements at the University of Iowa, Dallas was an ardent Hawkeye fan for his entire life! 

Dallas was a teacher at several schools, and settled in Jefferson, IA in 1963.  His teaching career spanned 17 years.  He began his next career as an insurance agent at Copeland Insurance in Jefferson.  He retired in 2000 after 24 years. Throughout those years, he especially liked working with the farmers.   

Dallas’s favorite “job” was helping his good farming friend, Dave Rasmussen, during harvest.  He hauled grain to town for 13 years.

Dallas enjoyed the yearly family vacation at West Oaks in Okoboji, IA. Dallas and Elma spent their winters in Texas making many lifelong friends.

Dallas was able to travel to Washington, D.C. on an Honor Flight for Veterans. 

Dallas was a devout Christian.  He was a member of the Jefferson Central Christian Church and was very active serving as janitor, Sunday school teacher, board member and elder.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Elma of Jefferson; three children: Jeffrey Schrader of Des Moines, IA; Pamela (Larry) Lair of Wallingford, IA; and Douglas (Nancy) Schrader of Sheldon, IA; eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren; sister, Marilyn Dahlof; sisters-in-law: Lola Schrader and Norma Darling; and brother-in-law, Leo Rechtenbach.

Dallas was preceded by his parents; parents-in-law, Daniel and Lucy Rechtenbach; brothers, John and Edward; brothers-in-law: Donald Dahlof, Ronald Rechtenbach, and David Darling; and sisters-in-law: Jeanette Rechtenbach and Rosie Rechtenbach.  

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Central Christian Church Week of Compassion Fund. Services were arranged by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson.