Esther M. Schrader

Died: Monday, May 11th, 2026

Memorial Mass: 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Father Francis Thadathil officiating

Visitation: from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass in the Father Klink Hall at church 

Interment: Calvary Cemetery, Eau Claire, Wisconsin after lunch

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to: St. Francis Food Pantry stfrancisfoodpantry -donate , Sojourner House The Sojourner House - Catholic Charities, or Community Table thecommunitytable - donate

Esther M. Schrader, age 91, of Eau Claire, died peacefully on Monday, May 11, 2026, surrounded by her family. 

Esther was born August 26, 1934, to the late Andrew and Anna (Reitz) Seipel in Eau Galle, Wisconsin. She married the love of her life, Donald D. Schrader, on July 20, 1953, at St. Henry's Catholic Church in Eau Galle.

She is survived by her children, Donna Markestad of Chippewa Falls, David (Roxie) Schrader, Marjorie Stearns, Bob Schrader all of Eau Claire, Jean (Rick) Rolando of Lake Elmo, MN, John (Cindy) Schrader of Delavan, Mary (Mark) Erlandson of Ellsworth, Paula Haines (Dave Lymburner) of St. Joseph, MI, and Julie (Ken) Hatch of New Richmond; 18 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; brother, Donald (Sandy) Seipel; sisters-in-law, Gloria Seipel and Elaine Brunner; brothers-in-law, Bill (Ruth Ann) Schrader and Ollie Grotthus; other family and friends.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Donald; brothers, Bill, John, and Norbert Seipel; sister, Norita Gifford; and granddaughter, Christine Schrader.

Esther spent many years volunteering. When she wasn't volunteering, she cherished time spent with her family. She was an avid reader, enjoyed gardening, making quilts, bird watching, crocheting, and sewing. Esther will be remembered for her kindness, loving spirit, and the way she welcomed everyone with warmth and compassion. Her presence touched many lives, and she will be deeply missed. 

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to River Pines and St. Croix Hospice for the wonderful and compassionate care Esther received from them over the past several months. A special thank you to the staff at Lake Hallie Memory Care for their care and kindness to Esther.