Stanley R. Schrag was born on March 10, 1941, to Elmer and Avena Dean (Thompson) Schrag in Neodesha, KS, 4 years after his brother Larry. From his dad he caught a love of gardening, hunting and fishing, and an enjoyment of music. From his mother, a joyful spirit and an appreciation for beauty. Both exemplified for him a strong work ethic, and with his competitive nature and natural athleticism, he excelled in many sports, as well as being an outstanding student.
He began junior high in North Platte, NE where his dad was a vocational agriculture teacher and his mother taught elementary English and Art. Early jobs included lawn mowing, paper routes, lifeguarding and, in high school, working for the Nebraska Fish and Game Commission. Later in high school he worked at McDonald State Bank with promotions preparing him for a position upon graduation from UNL with a business administration degree.
He was in Air Force ROTC, sang with a men’s glee club, and played golf for the University of Nebraska. Even with a strong religious background, his search for the meaning of life led him to take courses in comparative religion and philosophy. Near the end of Stan’s freshman year, four guys spoke at Stan’s fraternity and told what Jesus Christ meant to them. Stan grasped the reality that living a moral life and going to church were not what brought peace with God. He acknowledged his wrongdoings and asked for God’s forgiveness. He trusted completely in Christ’s death on the cross for right standing with God and the assurance of a new life now and in the life to come.
Now committed to follow Christ, he was characteristically “all in.” Navigator staff engaged Stan in Bible study and scripture memory. He kept a daily appointment with God, building a relationship that would sustain him and motivate him throughout his life. This newfound freedom and life in Christ were too good to keep to himself. He began sharing with those in his fraternity and beyond. His joy and excitement in helping others find purpose eclipsed his plans for banking and changed his career course.
After receiving his M.Div from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA he served three United Methodist Churches in Arnold, NE, O’Neill, NE, and Carrollton, Texas. A true Nebraskan, he came back to serve the Evangelical Free Church in Aurora, then pastored for 20 years at Grace Community Church in Lincoln.
Married in December, 1964, his wife Carlene joined in his passion for sharing the love of Christ with people and helping them to grow in their faith. Home Bible studies formed enduring bonds of friendship with many people. His love of golf was another setting where he built relationships, living out and sharing his faith. He especially enjoyed sharing God’s love with children and youth and helping people build strong families.
Stan was a sincere and trusted counselor to many, pointing them toward God’s love, mercy, and wisdom.
In addition to investing his time and energy in people in the churches where he served, he traveled on several mission trips, sharing the gospel with people in Peru, Guatemala, Mexico, Russia, Ukraine, and elsewhere.
Stan’s fun-loving nature, adventurous spirit, and sense of humor were a terrific balance to his determined and competitive side. He played tennis as long as he could navigate the court and could still hit some good golf shots even after many would have put their clubs away for good.
Always ready for adventure, he traveled to all 50 states and more than 20 countries. His love of travel led to his meticulous planning of many family trips, topped off with a month long car trip to Alaska. He was a devoted father and enduring role model to his three children, Elizabeth, Sandra, and Timothy John. He was a loving and playful grandfather, eager for a trip to the pool or a game of Rook with his five grandchildren, Ellen, Ann, Andrew, William, and Robert.
Carlene knew she was immeasurably blessed and has often said Stan should teach husband classes. His great joy the past year or two was waking her every morning with breakfast in bed. Finally, when his body could no longer keep up with him, he spoke of wanting to go “home.” The family rejoices that his desire has now been granted.
Funeral service: Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 12:00 noon at Grace Community Evangelical Church, 6843 South St, Lincoln.
Visitation: The family will greet friends from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Friday at Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel. 3950 Hohensee Drive (40th and Yankee Hill Rd.), Lincoln.
Memorials to: Slavic Gospel Association (Ukraine) and Grace Community Evangelical Church.
http://www.gracechurchlincoln.com; https://www.sga.org/countries/ukraine/