Eugene A. Schraad, 74, of Seneca, died on Sunday, July 19, 2015 at St. Luke’s Heart Institute in Kansas City, Missouri.

He was born July 12, 1941, on a farm northeast of St. Benedict to August and Anna Osterhus Schraad. He graduated from St. Mary’s Grade School in 1955 and from St. Benedict High School in 1959. He played basketball and football; and was on the St. Benedict baseball team. After graduating from high school, Gene was employed by Log Cabin Service Station and worked there until 1964.

On November 7, 1964, Gene married his high school sweetheart, Betty Skoch, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Benedict. The couple celebrated 50 years of marriage.

Gene enjoyed his life as a farmer and a cattleman. Gene was a member of the Seneca Knights of Columbus Council # 1769; and a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Gene was an Ambassador for the Midwest Transplant Network after receiving his heart transplant in May of 2000. His hobbies were restoring old toy tractors and building small sheds and barns for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gene loved to tease his family and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by a daughter, Karen Esslinger in 2012; a granddaughter, Ariel Esslinger in 2007; a great granddaughter, Shawna Esslinger in 2007; and a brother, Elmer Schraad in 2002.

Gene is survived by his wife Betty; sons, Bryan Schraad, Jim (Angie) Schraad and John (Cis) Schraad all of Seneca; a brother, Francis Schraad of Seneca; two sisters, Rita Wempe of Seneca and Helen Cook of Kansas City, KS;11 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10 AM on Thursday, July 23, 2015 at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Wednesday, July 22, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials will be designated at a later date.