ALBANY, Ore. — Roger Vernon Schrater, 65, of Albany, Ore., was called to heaven Thursday, Feb. 16, at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center.

He was born Feb. 20, 1946, in Hays, the son of Vernon and Marjorie (Yost) Schrater. He and his twin brother grew up on their family farm in Great Bend.

The boys and their dad also were involved in local racing events together. They drove everything from jalopies to actual race cars. It was a great way to spend time together.

During high school Roger and his brother enjoyed dragging down Main Street and switching classes to fool the teachers. On Friday nights he and all his friends would go to the local skating rink, and it was on one of these nights where he was showing off how fast he could speed around the rink that he almost ran into this girl. This girl stole his heart from the moment she turned to look at him; from that moment on they were a pair.

Roger went on to join the Air Force, where he was to become a medic. He had many adventures at all the places he was stationed. But then came the time he was to ship out to Vietnam, where he was stationed in Cam Ranh Bay. He was there from 1967-68.

On Dec. 26, 1968, Roger married Jeanita Young in Great Bend. Together, they made their home in Albany, Ore. Roger worked as a millwright for many years and retired from Weyerhaeuser Wood Products. While in Albany Roger was involved with many organizations. He was a member of the Jaycees, Timber Carnival President in ’75, and the American Legion amongst many more. Roger was loved by all that knew him and he will be greatly missed.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Jeanita; daughter, Terri Glover and her husband Brent of Albany, Ore.; brother Steven Schrater, of Guthrie, Okla.; grandchildren, Crytel Dixon-Glover, Brieanna Dixon-Glover and Anthony Dixon-Glover; adopted son Ken Trahan and his wife April; nephews, Michael Schrater and wife Jo, Jared Schrater and wife Kerry, Kristtoffer Schrater and wife Melissa, and Karsten Schrater and wife, Misty; grandnieces, Frances Madden, Elizabeth Schrater, Victoria Schrater and Emily Schrater; grandnephew, Kaylen Schrater.

A viewing will be Friday, Feb. 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a funeral service at 2 p.m. at Fisher Funeral Home. Burial will be at Willamette Memorial Park. Memorial Contributions are suggested to VVMF in care of the funeral home.