Helen Schrader Memoriam

Timber Valley lost a long time and treasured member on August 31, 2024 when Helen passed away. Helen was born in Chicago on December 13, 1936. She and her family moved to Bandon, Oregon in 1949 where her father and partner built and operated the Bandon Wayside Motel. She would graduate from Bandon High School and marry her sweetheart Gene Schrader in 1954. This past June 12 th Gene and Helen celebrated 70 years of marriage!
Helen’s passion in life was her family and music. Many of us know Helen because of her love of playing the piano. She began playing when she was 3 years old and could play just about anything by ear. She played on Sundays for her church, the Calapooia Free Methodist Church in Sutherlin for many years. She also enjoyed playing at area assisted living facilities, sharing her upbeat songs with so many. Helen was a lifetime member of Eastern Star and served previously as the Grand Pianist for the state of Oregon playing for audiences up to 1000 people.
Helen also loved to travel. Special trips included a trip to Germany and another to
Hawaii. Upon retiring Gene and Helen bought a 5 th wheel and began traveling the
United States and spending time hosting in state parks in Oregon. In 2007, they
became permanent residents of the Timber Valley SKP park, eventually settling in #70.
Mom loved their SKP home and felt loved and supported by all who knew her. They
remained in the park 17 years until this past August when they moved into Callahan
Village in Roseburg.
Helen is survived by her husband Gene, sons and daughters-in-laws Don and Jeannine
Schrader (Gold Hill), Ken and Julie Schrader (Colorado) and daughter and son-in-law
Mindy and Mark Rund (Sutherlin). Mindy and Mark are Timber Valley members and
have just moved into the park, renting #57. She is also survived by her brother and
sister-in-law Bill and Lora Wehner (Bandon). Helen has seven grandchildren and ten
great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. Helen was loved by all.
There will be a celebration of life for Helen on October 19 th at 11am at the Calapooia
Free Methodist Church in Sutherlin.