Kay Ellen Schrader, 82, of DeKalb, Illinois, passed away Sunday, July 21, 2024, at Oak Crest DeKalb Area Retirement Center.

 She was born July 18, 1942 in Sycamore, Illinois, the daughter of Wayne and Gladys (Hegberg) Wirsing.

She graduated from Sycamore High School Class of 1960 and attended Illinois Wesleyan for two years, majoring in sacred music. She married Barry Schrader Sept. 27, 1963.

Kay served as a church organist at various locations and also played for many weddings, receptions, funerals and other events over the years, most recently at Oak Crest, playing piano for chapel services and sing-alongs. She was also part of a quartet, the Sweet As Berries at the Asbury United Methodist Church when they lived in Livermore, CA. She worked as a teacher’s aide, secretary and early in their marriage was business/office manager for the Genoa (IL) Republican weekly newspaper, which was owned by her and husband Barry. She was active in PEO Chapter FX in Livermore for many years.

Kay was a devoted mother and wife and a friend to all who knew her.

She is survived by her two sons Todd Vernon of DeKalb and Darrin Wayne of Sycamore; her sister Carol (Ray) Larson; her nieces Lynn (Mike) Martz, Ronda (Rick) Ball, Denise Hill, Sue (Scott) Rankin, Angie (Tom) Mecklenburg, Aron Smudy; her nephews Norm (Barb) Larson, David (Robin) Larson, Steve (Virginia) Wirsing, and Mark (Elizabeth) Wirsing.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and her three brothers, Gene, David and Ron.

A celebration of her life memorial service will be held on Thursday August 1, at the Sycamore United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Drive, Sycamore with Reverend Luis F. Reyes-Rosario officiating. Visitation will start at 9:30 am and the service will be at 11:00 am. Her ashes will be interred at a later date during a private ceremony in Elmwood Cemetery in Sycamore.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorials be given to the Sycamore United Methodist Church. The mailing address for the church is 160 Johnson Dr, Sycamore IL 60178.

For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.