Kathleen (Cates) Schrader

Kathleen (Cates) Schrader, passed away peacefully at her home in Prior Lake, on March 21, 2025, just a few weeks shy of her 100th birthday. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, lived a life filled with love, kindness, and insatiable curiosity, always leaving a positive mark on those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025 (Kate's 100th Birthday) at 11:00 AM with visitation from 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM at St. Michael Catholic Church in Prior Lake. Father Tom Walker will preside, and she will be laid to rest with her beloved husband Duke at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Prior Lake.

Born on April 5, 1925, in Prior Lake to Earl and Catherine "Kit" (Simpkins) Cates, Kate was the eldest of seven children. From an early age, she embodied the role of caretaker, not only for her younger siblings but also for many cousins and community members. By age nine, Kate had learned to sew and began taking on sewing jobs for people around town. During grades 1-8, she attended the 2 story brick school originally located at Hwy 13 and Dakota Ave. When she wasn’t at school, Kate helped her father deliver milk and worked at the movie theater which is now the VFW.

After graduating from Shakopee High School, Kate got a job as a machinist at an airplane factory, making her a true Rosie the Riveter during a pivotal time in history. After the war effort, she joined the VFW Women’s Auxiliary Unit and served as its president.

On May 11, 1948, she married her beloved husband, Henry “Duke” Schrader, at St. Michael Catholic Church. Together, they adopted and raised three wonderful children, Greg, Katherine “Sis”, and Jim. After spending a decade in Bloomington, the Schrader family moved back to Kate’s hometown and settled in Prior Lake.

Kate's nurturing spirit was evident in every aspect of her life. She transformed her home into a loving haven through her passion for cooking, baking delightful treats like Grandma Cookies and ensuring that every Saturday included fresh baked bread and rolls, much to the delight of her family and friends. She also honed her crafting skills to create beautiful prom and wedding dresses, making sure each stitch had a little bit of love from Kate.

Her love for the outdoors was evident in her beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. Beyond her family, Kate was committed to her community, volunteering at the school library, helping with funeral lunches, and serving as a warm-hearted lunch lady who never missed an opportunity to feed anyone, often being affectionately called “Aunt Kate” by many.

In her free time, Kate enjoyed traveling with Duke. Over the years they took many memorable trips in their motor home. Kate also enjoyed a trip to Ireland and London with her father and siblings where she was able to truly embrace her Irish heritage.

Kate’s passing is a profound loss for all who knew her. She was not only the heart of her family but also a pillar of her community, balancing active participation in church life at St. Michael’s with her unwavering devotion to her faith, never missing mass. A historian at heart, she diligently chronicled family history long before the advent of the internet, ensuring that her family's legacy would live on for generations to come.

She is survived by her loving children, Greg Schrader, Katherine “Sis” Smith, and Jim (Trina) Schrader; 9 Grandchildren, Katelynn Smith, Andrew Schrader, Lauren Schrader, Mackenzie (Ethan) Deets , Libby Schrader, Trevor Smith, Sarah Schrader, Bob Schrader, and Jonah Schrader; great-granddaughter, Makenna Smith; brother, Larry (Betty) Cates; sister-in-law, Patricia "Pat" Cates; and many nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and dear friends.

Kate was greeted in Heaven by her beloved husband Henry “Duke” Schrader; parents, Earl & Kit Cates; siblings, Bill (Donna) Cates, Anna Mae "Pete" (Bud) Ryan, Rosie (George "Spike") Muelken, Jack (Arlene) Cates, and Jim Cates.