Gail Rodney Schra

Gail Rodney Schra was born in Denver, CO on May 28, 1943, the first child born to Gerald and Mildred (DeWitt) Schra. He died on Sunday, June 5, 2011, in Colorado Springs surrounded by his wife, son, and daughter. Gail struggled with multiple complications from Rheumatoid Arthritis, but in Jesus Christ he now has healing that is both complete and eternal.

Gail married Lois Meyering on June 23, 1967 and their love for each other grew throughout their nearly 44 years of marriage. Through adoption, God brought two children, Jeffrey and Lisa Marie, into their family. Gail was a wonderful, loving and patient father.

Gail Schra was a graduate of Denver Christian High School, Phillips University, and the University of Oklahoma where he earned his Master's degree in Social Work. After graduate school he served his country in the US Army, attaining the rank of Captain in the Medical Service Corps. Following his honorable discharge from the Army in 1972, Gail moved his family to Colorado Springs and began a 30-year career with the Pikes Peak Mental Health Center. For the past eight years, Gail used his experience and gifts in the Counseling department of Focus on the Family.

Gail was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Schra, and his step-father, Alfred Schemper.

He is survived by his wife, Lois Meyering Schra; his daughter Lisa Marie of Colorado Springs; his son Jeffrey, Jeffrey's wife Lisa, and grandsons Willem and Xander of Vienna, Austria; his mother, Mildred Schemper of Denver; siblings Gaylyn Proctor (Steve) of Loveland, Colorado, Ken Schemper (Barb) of Grandville, Michigan, Rich Schemper (Barb) of Denver, Norene Van Andel (Doug) of Lynden, Washington, and Karen Stephens (Randy) of Colorado Springs. Gail will be missed greatly by all of these people and by many, many others who knew his wisdom and his gentle spirit.

A time for visiting with the family will be held on Thursday, June 9, 2011 from 5:00 to 7:00pm at Swan Law Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held Friday, June 10 at 11:00am at Cragmor Christian Reformed Church where Gail was a longtime member. A light luncheon will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in support of the counseling ministry of Focus on the Family or in support of Gail's son Jeffrey's work with Christian Reformed World Missions (acct. #803749 ) at 2850 Kalamazoo SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49560.

Arrangements under the direction of Swan-Law Funeral Directors, Colorado Springs, CO.