Donald “Denny” Dennis Schrader, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family, on July 11, 2026 at the age of 76.

Born on June 2, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan, Denny was the son of the late Donald Schrader and Lois (Cutler) Schrader. He was a proud graduate of Bridgeport-Spaulding High School and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Central Michigan University. He returned to Bridgeport Spaulding Schools as an educator and spent 40 years teaching, advising, chaperoning, coaching, and working at all different sporting events. He also survived many years of teaching young people drivers’ education.

Denny had several joys in life. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, bowling, puzzles and going to the horse track or casino. He especially enjoyed spending time with friends, including being part of the Jaycees as a younger person, and spending time with his cousins and family, and colleagues during and after his teaching career. Recently Denny was fortunate to spend his winters in Florida and found a great community of friends. His proudest title was being “Papa”. He loved spending time with his grandchildren playing cards, at a ball field, fishing, or working on puzzles.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of nearly 53 years, Kathleen (Kacey); their children Nathan (Kristine) Schrader, Amanda (Casey) Swanson, and Megan Schrader; grandchildren Evan, Carter, Kara, Eli, Bennett, Cole, McKenna; sisters Julie (Schrader) Genrich, and Peggy Schrader; honorary daughter Ramona; and many nieces and nephews.

Denny was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Lois (Cutler) Schrader; and his mother- and father-in-law, John and Marie (Muscat) Clark.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026, at W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 5700 Dixie Hwy, Saginaw, MI 48601. The family will also receive friends from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Bridgeport Community Church, 3821 State St, Bridgeport, MI 48722, with the funeral service to follow at 11:30 a.m. officiated by Pastor Rob Ashmall. In honor of Denny’s wishes, cremation will take place after the service.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider The Miracle League of Southwest Michigan https://swmimiracle.org/donate/, or the East Side Soup Kitchen https://www.eastsidesoupkitchen.org/.

Please share your memories of Denny at the visitation and the service, or by visiting www.casefuneralhome.com.