Dean Homer Schrag

Dean Schrag was born March 24, 1933, in Pretty Prairie, Kansas, the youngest of seven children. Raised on the family farm, Dean learned the value of hard work and resourcefulness from an early age. By the time he was ten, his entrepreneurial spirit was already emerging, as he helped his family selling goods door to door. He spent his childhood farming, raising livestock, and working alongside his family.

Dean graduated from Pretty Prairie High School in 1952 and went on to attend Bethel College in North Newton, later earning his master’s degree from Emporia State University. He married Marge in 1953, and together they raised three children. Dean taught and coached in Kansas before eventually moving into business, opening Celebrity Supply Incorporated in 1970. His entrepreneurial career later took him into regional sales with Pre-Paid Legal, from which he retired in 1995.

Retirement did little to slow Dean down. He and Bonnie married in 1978. They enjoyed traveling the country in their RV, spending winters in Branson, Missouri, and Yuma, Arizona, and enjoying countless rounds of golf along the way. His entrepreneurial spirit remained strong, and he continued raising emus and developing the family farm even in retirement. In 2006, Dean and Bonnie returned permanently to Kansas, and in 2015 they moved to Kidron retirement community, where Dean reconnected with old friends and made many new ones over coffee, cards, and conversation.

Dean was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; his three children, Meribeth, Gordon, and Steve; 19 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and many cousins, extended family members, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his stepson, Tim Travis in 2004.

Dean will be remembered for his stubborn determination, incredible work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, love of family, and the simple pleasures he enjoyed so much; from farming and raising emus to golf, coffee, and time spent with the people he loved. His life was one of hard work, adventure, and love of his family.

A funeral service has been held at Bethel College Mennonite Church and interment at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Caring Hands Humane Society and Bethel College.