Beat Schraner
With heavy hearts, we share the sad news of Beat Thomas Schraner’s passing. On the evening of September 29, 2025, he proudly drove his tractor from his cherished farm on Strader Hill. Sadly, he did not come back. He was 79.
He was a loving husband to the late Annemarie Schraner (Bächli). He was also a proud Papi to Thomas Schraner (Grace), Judith Schraner (Jonathan), Susanna Bretzler (Jürgen), and Victor Schraner (Lauren). As a caring Grossvati, he enjoyed spending time with Alexandra (Samuel), Dominik, Oliver, Maya, Sofie, and Stéfanie. He is survived by his two brothers Anton and Viktor (Christine), as well as his brothers-in-law Julius Bächli (late Elvira) and Arnold (Rösli) from Switzerland. His parents Viktor and Alice Schraner (nee Steinacher) and his brothers Urs, Felix, and Werner preceded him in death.
Beat was born in Sulz Valley, Switzerland on May 27, 1946. Growing up with his four remaining brothers on their small dairy farm meant hard work for him. Stories of manual labor, daily church visits, cousins, school friendships, and cycling were some of his favorite memories to share about growing up. In May 1970, he married Annemarie and just four days later they moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake where they both fell in love with Canada. Although they briefly returned to Switzerland in the mid-seventies, Beat made a permanent move with his young family to Canada in 1977 and then to Williamsburg in December 1978.
Together with Annemarie, Beat worked diligently to develop their beloved farm. He took great pride in caring for his dairy cows (Bemar Holsteins) and maintaining their fields. He never lost sight of his dream of owning a vineyard in Niagara. After an accident that led to the amputation of his foot made it impossible for him to continue milking cows, he transitioned into cash crop farming. Farming wasn’t just a job; it was his passion and way of life. In later years, he became an attentive caretaker for Annemarie during her illness. After she passed away three years ago, he started traveling more often while reconnecting with friends around the globe-always eager to make new connections along the way. He remained committed to keeping up with old friends too. Beat kept himself busy by tidying up the farm as well as tending to his garden and fruit trees. Extremely proud of what he harvested each year, he’d generously share it with neighbors and family alike. He cherished time spent listening to and advising his kids and grandkids while also having fun playing cards with friends-people were important to him.
Funeral Arrangements
Friends are invited to pay their respects at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Morrisburg on Tuesday, October 7th from 9:30 a. m., leading up to the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a. m. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Morrisburg. The family would love everyone who knew Beat join them afterward for a meal at the Morrisburg Legion as they celebrate his life together.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Winchester Hospital or J. W. Mac Intosh Community Support Services; this would be greatly appreciated by the family. If you’re donating online or by cheque directly to these charities please include this note “please notify the family” along with your gift.
Online condolences can be shared at marsdenmclaughlin. com.
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Online condolences can be shared at marsdenmclaughlin. com.
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