Albert Schraw

January 22, 1933 ~ January 17, 2025
Born in:
Park Rapids, Minnesota
Resided in:
Sartell, Minnesota
Live Stream:
Albert (Al) Schraw of Fargo passed away peacefully on January 17, 2025, at Country Manor Care Facility in Sartell, MN, where he had lived for the past two years.
Al was born on January 22, 1933, in Park Rapids, MN, to Albert and Gladys (Gilchrist). After graduating from high school, he worked in Cloquet, MN, at a paper mill. In 1953 he was drafted into the army and spent over a year serving our country in Korea. After his tour was over, he returned to Fargo where he met and married his wife, Ione (Arneson) in 1955. For over 40 years, he was the office manager and then the vice president for Surety Mutual Insurance Company.
Al enjoyed playing basketball, earning the nickname “Buckets” from those who played with him at the YMCA. He loved fishing for northern, camping with friends and family, and in his later years, writing poetry; he wrote a poem for his wife and all eight grandchildren. He never turned down a fierce game of Rook or Uno, taking competition to a fun level. The Christian fellowship meetings he attended each week inspired him to live a life where his faith in the Lord was quintessential, and while he will be missed, there is comfort in knowing his deep faith made it possible to often say, “I am just waiting for my departure.”
He is survived by his daughter, Sheri Hwang (Harvey) of Medford, OR; sons, Steve (Lynne) of Fargo, ND and Sun City West, AZ, and Sterling (Karmin) of Sartell, MN; eight grandchildren, Jed, Kara, Kami, Brianne, Andrea, Tanner, Aunika, and Emerie; 14 great grandchildren, Jemma, Kai, Aspen, Jasper, Tate, Calder, Hudson, Baer, Hayes, Io, Carson, Emma, Eastyn, and Londyn; and his sister Hazel Schraw. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ione in 2013.
Services
Visitation - Thursday: January 23, 2025 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Funeral Service - Friday: January 24, 2025 10:00 am
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com

Heaven’s gain is our loss.
With Love, Randy & Alice Matthews
Many fond memories of our time in friendship and fellowship Al and Ione.
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Sending our care and deepest sympathies.
Al was a thoughtful and kind gentleman!
May his spirit now be at peace.
Jane Hawk, Sun City West AZ
A few thoughts about Al that made him “Uncle Al” to me.
His love for the Lord was so evident in his love for the ministry, the church and others.
He loved to spend time “in The Word”, as he called it. No matter how early we went fishing, I knew he had spent time there.
I could talk to him like my own Dad.
He was one of the best fishing buddies I’ve ever had the privilege of “drowning minnows” and “losing Daredevils” with. And yet, it wasn’t all about fishing.
I will not soon forget “Uncle Al” and his influence.
Dean N.
Al became a special friend of mine when I worked in the Fitness Center of the Fercho YMCA in Fargo. It was easy to see he was the special friend of many there from his days playing noon ball. Many, many young guys who knew him from basketball had TONS of respect for both his basketball ability and his humanity. Al was one of the kindest, gentlest people I have ever known. I never heard Al speak an unkind word about ANYONE. Rest in peace, my friend!
Many fond memories of playing basketball with Al “Buckets” at the YMCA. He loved to shoot a jumpshot from the corner that nearly always ended with a twish, nothing but net.
I thought the world of Al and Ione. I was their nurse for many years at the clinic. Your Dad had such a twinkle in his eye. He missed ione so much, I am happy they are together at last. My sincere sympathy.
We will certainly miss Al! He was a wonderful friend and Godly influence. We had a lot of fun with Al and Ione and good fellowship. Comfort and care to the family who will miss him most! Rick and Ann Overby
Very special friend as long as I can remember friend of our family
So many wonderful memories of Al, Ione and family through the years. I am thankful for their steady example of unwavering faith and friendship. Sending heartfelt care and sympathy to Sheri, Steve, Sterling and your families.
A very special man in my life. He left an example that I always wanted to follow. I remember many of his testimonies that still encourage me. We played hundreds of basketball games together. We never liked they wouldn’t let us play together. I will miss him
Sheri, Steve , Sterling and families,
We send our thoughts and deep sympathy to all of the family today. We will miss Al. He has always been a special brother-in-law. Our family has many memories of our travels through life.
Our love, Uncle Will & Auntie Karol
Sincerest sympathies to your family. I have fond memories of Al, especially thinking of his steadfast character and convictions. Heartwarming to see pictures – we much appreciate the group of folks who were such good friends and a help to our mother, Evelyn, and Al and Ione were a big part of that. Even got the privilege of being in a rousing round of “up the river, down the river” a couple times with those folks! Will always think of his zeal for the Lord, his family, and kind word towards others.
Beautiful tribute to Al and his life well lived. I miss shooting buckets with “Buckets” and most of all the conversations with Al at the Y. He will live on as a respected servant doing on to others!
Love ya Al
We appreciated entering into the livestream of your dad’s service today. We have wonderful memories of our friendship. Thankful for his safe influence!
Dear Family, We appreciated entering into the livestream of your dad’s service today. We have wonderful memories of our friendship. Extending our sympathy for the loss of your Dear Dad, Grandpa and Great Gpa!
It was special to be able to listen to Al’s service today! “Friends I’ve met along the highway, true & loyal God to Thee” comes to mind! I especially remember Al’s last time to Portage convention with his family – so nice to think of him now entering in even more fully to what he loved & lived for!
My love & sympathy , Karen Roehle
My first brother-in-law! I was 5 years old when he became a part of our family. I was scared to death of him. I got over that. Al gave my sister Ione and his family a great life. He was good to me as well. He always let me drive his new cars. I’m sure Steve remembers some of those rides.
Sheri, Steve and Sterling I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. He cherished his family to no end.
Thank you, Al, for your service.
Uncle Rob
Was nice to be able to share in the funeral from afar. We both appreciated Als influence and fellowship over the years. Our condolences to the family and friends there.