Star City 6 – Todd Schrag

Family owned and operated, Roper & Sons Funeral Home has served families with honor, integrity, and dignity for over 115 years. From pre-planning and funeral services to providing outreach services such as grief support groups and monthly educational topic breakfasts, Roper & Sons is a trusted resource that remains dedicated to those in our community. Todd Schrag is a Funeral Director at Roper & Sons Funeral Home (www.roperandsons.com).

Tell us a little about your business.

I’ve worked in all aspects of the industry, even facility upkeep and maintenance tasks such as mowing the lawn, scooping snow, washing cars and painting the building. Currently I work with families from the first time we are contacted by them, to making funeral arrangements and conducting funerals, to anything that still needs to be taken care of after the services are concluded.

How did you get started in the business?

I grew up in Moundridge, a small rural town in central Kansas. When there would be funerals at our church we would help the local funeral director with set-up and ushering, etc. During college I helped him with conducting a few funerals at different locations and took interest in the industry.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

I have two. The first is always fight for the underdog. The second is no matter what profession you choose, do what you like to do and the money will follow (meaning you will be able to make a living at it).

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

Travel. I like to visit larger cities and walk off the beaten path to see firsthand how people live their lives on a daily bases. This is especially interesting to me in cities outside of the United States.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?

Being a musician, more specifically an organist and pianist. But I’m ready and willing whenever the opportunity presents itself!

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?

I just returned to the funeral industry after 15 years. I was co-owner of a successful florist shop and event rental company in Oklahoma City. So I have already done that, therefore I cannot see myself in another profession as I’ve returned to what I’ve found to be my true calling.

If you could have a super power, what would it be?

To be a time traveler and visit earlier centuries and even civilizations. I would like to experience the Industrial Revolution. I personally feel this was one of the greatest times in the history of the United States.

What is your favorite movie?

Grapes of Wrath. The struggles the Joad family had trying to better themselves with dignity, and not asking people for support. They did whatever they could to make a living, something society either has forgotten or has never been taught.

What is your favorite TV show?

Pretty much anything on the The History Channel.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present who would it be?

Colonel Sanders. Yes, for those who aren’t familiar, he was a real life person who led a very interesting and inspiring life. His life story is interesting to me because he always found another way to make a living. Even after retirement, to supplement his Social Security, he did not rely on other people.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

They are welcome to email me at todd@roperandsons.com or stop by Roper & Sons Funeral Home at 4300 O Street.