William Schrader

ARIZONA CITY - William Joseph "Bill" Schrader, 61, of Arizona City died on Jan. 20, 2018, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mr. Schrader was born on Oct. 11, 1956, in Elwood, Indiana, and moved to Arizona with his parents in 1972. He joined the Army in 1974.

He loved life, his family and friends and was described as a generous, sweet, loving and gentle soul. He loved the outdoors, animals, gardening, his tractor and overalls. His work over the years included drilling water wells, installing awnings and operating heavy equipment, and he would "witch" for water like his Grandpa Peters.

Survivors include his wife of 14 years, Mary Ann Lucas; a son and daughter, Joseph Schrader and Kristi Hamlet of Arizona; three stepdaughters, Danelle Berardinelli, Jerri Cunningham and Amanda Morris; three stepsons, Damon Denstone, Aaron and Robert Morris; his father, Max Schrader Sr. of Arizona; four brothers, Max Schrader Jr. of Nebraska, Daniel and Lou Schrader of Arizona and Edmon Schrader of Kansas; four sisters, Theresa Berglund, Tina Ladd, Pamala Schrader and Violet Weekes of Arizona; and 20 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ione (Peters) Schrader, and two brothers, Charles and Herman Schrader.

Visitation beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 26, at J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel in Casa Grande, with funeral at 11. Graveside service at 1:30 p.m. at Schrader Family Cemetery in Maricopa.