George John Schrade passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 28, at the age of 84 and a half in Lakeview Terrace Assisted Home in Bigfork.

Born and raised in Kalispell, he was the son of immigrant German parents John and Elizabeth Schrade, and with the exception of a two-year draft assignment in Fort Lee, Virginia, for the United States Army, he was a lifelong resident of Kalispell.

In his early years, George was raised on the family farm and helped with the family farm. He attended Flathead County High School. He became an All-State tackle and center for the Braves football team and helped lead his team to the 1951 State Championship game against Butte.

He met his first wife, Dorothy Kelleher, at a logging camp in the Red Meadows while working as a sawyer for Koenig Logging. George spent 30 years in the employ of Royal Logging and Plum Creek Lumber as both a sawyer and later as a woods boss. He then became a business partner with O’Neil Printers in Kalispell until his full retirement.

He was an active member of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, where he served as an usher for over 50 years, often participating in the fundraising activities at the fair booth during Northwest Montana Fair Days. He was also a member of the Eagles Club.

George loved sports and was competitive on all levels as he competed throughout his life and won many awards as an avid recreational bowler, later competing in the senior league. He was equally competitive, as he loved to play and compete in family card games and horseshoes. He also loved to camp in the woods with his family and friends. He loved to play golf, and in his early years found great enjoyment fly fishing in the South Fork and other outings, including salmon fishing trips to Alaska. He won All Around Montana Logger in 1981, with his skills in the annual competition, scoring perfect in sawing and ax throwing.

During his grandchildren’s sports years he was a dedicated grandfather, always in attendance as he never missed a game while they grew up in the Flathead Valley and often attending musical recitals throughout the valley. He kept up with professional, college and local sports activities and was continually aware of events as a sports enthusiast.

In his latter years, George played in the Seniors Kitchen Band and donated much of his time along with his wife, Marge, entertaining seniors at various events, often on a weekly basis. His commitment to helping others was evident throughout his lifetime, as he leaves behind many family and friends who were the recipients of his endless generosity.

He had a profound love for his country, always debating politics, and he will be greatly missed by his family, his friends as we remember his Schrade grin.

He leaves his wife of eight years, Marge Schrade; his son, Tony, and wife Alyce Schrade, of Castro Valley, California; his daughters, Pam Schrade and Bonnie Grubb, both of Kalispell; his grandchildren, Jarod Grubb, Nathan Grubb, Ryan Grubb and Allison and their father Franklin Grubb of Kalispell; his stepsons, Howard, Gene and Gary Littlefield; his brother, Karl and his wife Carol Schrade; his sister Linda and husband Dick Tabatt; his sister-in-law Marie Greeson and his many nieces and nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Schrade; his son, Matt Schrade; his father, John; his mother, Elizabeth; and his stepmother, Maria Schrade.

A viewing will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. and a rosary service will be said at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home, and a funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 11, at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Kalispell.