John Marinus Schram

John Schram, 92, passed away peacefully at home on November 27, 2024.  A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, John lived a full life marked by hard work and family love.

Born at home two days after Christmas on December 27, 1931, in Ontario, Oregon, John was the fourth of six children born to Bartholomus Schram and Maria Smit, Dutch immigrants who raised him and his siblings on the family's dairy farm.

John met and married his wife, Dede Connaughy of Adrian, Oregon.  Together they began farming raising cattle, hay and four children: sons John, Jim, Chris, and daughter Stephanie.  He was a proud grandfather to 9 grandchildren and great-grandfather to six.

John worked for Farm Credit Services while still running the family farm.  After 20 years at FCS he retired and began helping his son Jim on the farm - becoming a “back-seat farmer”.

As a young man, John loved deer hunting - especially with his father-in-law Howard in the Owyhee hills.  When he was older he loved fishing for salmon on the Oregon Coast with his brothers, kids, and family .  John was not a gambler, but he made many bets on who would catch the first fish, the most fish, the biggest fish, and on rare occasions no one cheated.

John was a born farmer and in later years this turned into a passion for gardening.  He loved raising roses and his vegetable gardening included friendly competition with his daughter-in-law Ann to see who would grow the best tomatoes and cantaloupe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Rudy, Harry, and Mace, and sister Mary.  He is survived by his wife Dede, children John (Ann Marie), Jim (Kathleen), Chris (Michele), Stephanie (Tony); brother Joe, nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A private family funeral mass will be held a Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Ontario.  Memorial contributions in John's honor may be made to Blessed Sacrament Food Pantry or the Ontario Community Library, two organizations close to his heart.

John's family expresses their deep gratitude for the support and condolences of friends and loved ones during this time.