Lynn Leonard Schrader

Lynn Leonard Schrader
February 9, 1951 – July 19, 2025
Lynn Leonard Schrader of Naperville, Illinois-husband, father, grandfather, friend, champion of the backyard bonfire, and a man who truly understood the art of the catnap, was born on February 9, 1951, in Brookings, South Dakota. He made quite the entrance, arriving in the hospital elevator on the way to his room. Lynn passed away peacefully at home on July 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after one last glorious nap.
He was the fourth child of Leonard and Agnes Schrader, welcomed by siblings LaRue, Judith, and Richard, with younger brother Scott arriving eight years. The family moved throughout the Midwest including exciting stops in Kansas and Oklahoma, before finally settling in Naperville, Illinois.
Lynn spent his senior year at Naperville Community High School, graduating in 1969. While he was involved in sports and theatre, his most significant achievement was undoubtedly meeting his future wife, Andrea Marie Tuma, on a "senior ditch day" outing to Michigan Dunes. Clearly, some ditch days are more productive than others! Lynn and Andrea attended Northern Illinois University together, before tying the knot on July 6, 1974, at St. Raphael's Catholic Church in Naperville.
They started their new life together in Carol Stream, where they quickly adopted three adventurous cats that they enjoyed taking on road trips. Eventually they upgraded to their first home in Warrenville, IL, where they welcomed their daughters, Michelle in 1979 and Renae in 1982. In 1986, the family returned to Naperville, welcoming their son, Daniel, in 1989, completing the family and raising the household noise level to full capacity.
Lynn had a gift for friendship, laughter, and a serious knack for bocce. This led to close friendships with neighbors--forming a bond so strong they affectionately dubbed themselves the "Greater Farmstead Bocce Boys." They bonded over yard games, poker, barbecue and friendly banter. If you heard laughter, Lynn was probably at the center of it, likely trash talking and trying to light a bonfire with slightly too much lighter fluid.
A handyman with a hammer in one hand and classic rock blasting in the background, Lynn was always working on a project. When not focused on home improvement, Lynn worked in finance, handling accounts receivable for companies like Dunn and Bradstreet and Meade Electric. Finally escaping the daily grind in 2017, he truly embraced the good life, traveling with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Lynn could often be found "watching" sports with his eyes closed. He was a die-hard fan of the Chicago Cubs, Bulls, and Bears and passionately cheered them on through thick and thin (mostly thin). He loved classic rock with the volume cranked up, reading sci-fi, and of course taking well deserved naps with his cats, kids, and grandkids. His backyard pond and its finned inhabitants brought him much joy and peace.
Lynn is survived by his wife of 51 years, Andrea, who loved the way he lit up a room; his children, Michelle (Russ), Renae, and Daniel, who will miss his unwavering support and legendary naps; his grandchildren, Elyse, Ian, Shauna, Callen, and Declan, who lovingly called him "Bumpa"; and his siblings, Judy Jackson, Richard, and Scott, who shared a lifetime of memories and laughs. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Agnes, and his sister, LaRue Johnson, all undoubtedly waiting for him with open arms and a comfortable couch for a good nap.
In true Lynn fashion, we will honor him the way he lived, sharing stories and laughter with family, neighbors, and friends by gathering together for a backyard Celebration of Life on August 16th, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: The American Lung Association in support of smoking cessation programs.