Dr. Gerald D. Schrater, 78, died Dec. 27, 2015 of a heart attack at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. He was born Aug. 7, 1937, in Hoisington, to Reuben and Rachel (Steitz) Schrater.

He graduated from Utica High School in 1955, entered the Navy Reserves, attended Fort Hays State University, and graduated from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1966, as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Schrater practiced veterinary medicine in St. Louis for six years, and then in 1972, he started practicing veterinary medicine in Hutchinson. In 1993, Dr. Schrater built Apple Lane Animal Hospital, and enjoyed going to work every day, in addition to raising miniature donkeys. Dr. Schrater was actively involved in the community. He was one of the driving forces of the Birthing Center at the Kansas State Fair, where he built the birthing center from being located in a tent to a building. In addition, he was instrumental in establishing the Reins of Hope Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program.

Dr. Schrater served on the original board for Reins of Hope, and was still an active board member. He was also involved with building the Hutchinson Animal Shelter and was their supervising veterinarian. In addition, Dr. Schrater served on the Reno County Chamber of Commerce Board, the Board of Western Veterinarians Conference, located in Las Vegas, Nevada, and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kansas Veterinarian Medical Association. Dr. Schrater was a member of Faith United Methodist Church, where he was involved in the Sunday school, and enjoyed his Wednesday morning men's coffee fellowship group.

On June 6, 1964, he married Judy Haskard in Hutchinson. They met in the biochemistry lab at Kansas State, and shared 51 years of marriage. Survivors include: wife, Judy of the home; daughter, Lana Kay Craig of Portland, Ore.; son, Cory Dean Schrater and wife Suzie of Valley Center; sisters, LaVina Johnson and husband Darry of Beeler, Maxine Nuttle and husband Jon of Ransom; sister-in-law, Patty Haskard Holmstrom of Golden, Mo.; grandchildren, Patrick Dean, Courtney René, Parker Allan Schrater, all of Valley Center, Callum Scot and Daniel Alan Craig, all of Portland, Oregon; and numerous nieces. He was preceded in death by: his parents and son-in-law, Cameron Scot Craig.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015, at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson, with the Reverend Kim Serio and Pastor Jeff Isaacs officiating. Burial will follow in Partridge Cemetery. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with family to receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. today at Elliott Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Faith United Methodist Church, Reins of Hope, or the Dr. Gerald Schrater Memorial Fund, for the benefit of the Kansas State College of Veterinary Medicine, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501. Please visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave online condolences for Dr. Schrater's family.

Dr. Schrater was a great conversationalist and loved to visit. He never knew a stranger. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.