Churches in Montana mourned the loss of longtime minister Michael William Schrader, who died of a heart attack Aug. 27 while hiking with a missionary group in Palisade Falls, Mont.

Schrader, 53, was minister for the Belgrade, Mont., church for more than 28 years. He also served on the board of directors and as a teacher at Yellowstone Bible Camp. At the time of his death, he was planning one of his many mission trips to India.

Born in Lewistown, Mont., Schrader attended Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma City, and Montana State University, where he earned a degree in finance and marketing. He was an alumnus of the Preston Road School of Preaching, Dallas.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie Leuschen Schrader. Survivors include his wife of 33 years, Beth Scott, two sons, a daughter, six grandchildren, his father, two sisters and a brother.