Vernis Lenore Schad

On Saturday, May 3, we said goodbye to a pioneer of women and champion of the Grand Rapids community. At 99 years old, Vernis Schad lived a full life and touched many people - here and abroad in her extensive travels. She was born in Ireton, Iowa in 1925 and had four sisters, Ann, Tressa, Elva and Dorothy. They moved to Artesia, California in 1942, but soon after Vernis ventured east to attend Calvin College. While in Grand Rapids, Vernis met and married George Schad who preceded her in death in 2012.

Vernis is survived by her sons Tim and Scott (Terri); grandsons Matt (Diana), Brandon (Colleen), and Ross (Melissa); and great grandchildren Abby, Addyson, Grayson, Nico and Livia. Vernis was also very fond of Gisela (Peter) Muellertrede, who was a German exchange student in 1965 (children Johannes and Lisa); and Claudia Arce, a Costa Rican student who attended Grand Valley State University.

Vernis loved to travel and collected many unique keepsakes over the years. In 1951, she and George moved to Bogota, Colombia with their two small sons for two years. Many years later after George retired, they spent time living and volunteering in developing countries, including the Philippines, Zimbabwe, Tunisia, Guatemala and Costa Rica.

Vernis was a committed community volunteer at organizations such as the Red Cross, Youth for Understanding Student Exchange Program, the Grand Rapids Parent Teacher Council, the Grand Rapids Recreation Board, United Way, American Association of University Women, Committee to Study Segregation in the Grand Rapids Schools, the Annexation Committee that resulted in increasing the geographical size of the City of Grand Rapids by 50%, the Women's Resource Center, the Greater Grand Rapids Women's History Council, the Progressive Women's Alliance, and the World Affairs Council.

Vernis always valued education and was elected to the Grand Rapids Board of Education in 1970. She served until 1982, during which time many special programs were developed, such as the Zoo School, City High School, Blandford Nature Center, Educational Park, and a Cooperative Program with two schools in Costa Rica. Although not a native of Grand Rapids, Vernis was devoted to projects that she felt would benefit the city and its residents. She valued all of the friends who helped make her life meaningful, and tried to find a way to have a good laugh every day.

A visitation will be held this Thursday, May 8 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Reyers Funeral Home at 2815 Fuller Ave NE. In lieu of flowers, gifts in her honor may be made to the Women’s Resource Center, Emmanuel Hospice, or a charity of choice. A special thank you also to the staff at Porter Hills.