Kenneth Lee Schreader

KENNETH LEE SCHREADER, age 78, of Janesville, passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Whispering Creek in Janesville.

Born on January 29, 1947, he was the son of Leo and Arlene (Adams) Schreader. Ken grew up in the Rochester area and graduated from John Marshall High School in 1966, where he excelled in wrestling. He pursued his education and wrestling career at Upper Iowa University, later transferring to Mankato State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry.

In 1967, Ken married Catherine Norrie at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Rochester, with whom he had two sons before later divorcing. In 1979, he married Jane Height at Messiah Lutheran Church in North Mankato, and together they had one daughter before also divorcing.

Ken began his career in environmental testing as a wastewater operator for the Cities of Mankato and New Ulm. In 1978, he founded UC Laboratory, initially working out of an office in Eagle Lake before relocating to Janesville in 1987. He was a member of the Minnesota Wastewater Operators Association.

Ken was a passionate food enthusiast and enjoyed various hobbies, including playing cards, watching TV, and shopping on Amazon. However, his greatest joy came from spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his children: Ben (Amy) Schreader of Janesville, Joe (Julie Pashina) Schreader of Alma City, and Amy L. Schreader of Janesville; grandchildren: Abby (Jack) Hendrickson, Brittany (James) Roberts, Jacob (Sarah) Schreader, Danielle (Alex) Biehn, Brandi Boyd, Ava Boyd, and Trey Boyd; great-grandchildren: Jack and Adeline Hendrickson, Calvin and Penelope Roberts, and Cecilia and Elijah Schreader; siblings: Bob (Bonnie) Schreader of Oronoco and Pam Schreader of Rochester.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Jerry and Mike Schreader.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, beginning at 12:00 PM and concluding with a prayer service at 2:30 PM, all at the Janesville Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service. Interment will take place at Smiths Mill Cemetery.

A Celebration of Ken’s Life will follow from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Purple Goose in Janesville.

Memorial contributions will be directed to a scholarship in Ken’s name through the Minnesota Wastewater Operators Association (MWOA).