Fred Schroeder
ST. JOSEPH - Fred Schroeder, 94, died Friday, July 21, 2006, at Jordan's Nursing Home.
He was born June 30, 1912, in Werle, Germany, but he always stated that his life did not begin until he came to America. In the World War II postwar years he escaped from East Germany in 1949 with his family and eventually brought them to Michigan in 1952, where he made a new life for them, all becoming citizens of the United States. He was a skilled carpenter and cabinet maker, and he worked for Whirlpool Corporation in the maintenance department, retiring in 1970. He and his wife, Emily, moved to Boynton Beach, Fla. Emily Schroeder died Oct. 17, 1993, after which Mr. Schroeder returned to Michigan.
He had many hobbies, including gardening, fishing, photography, and he loved to play the mandolin and the harmonica. He and his wife enjoyed traveling through the United States and to many corners of the world.
He was preceded in death by six siblings, all of Germany, sisters - Magda, Elli and Frieda, and brothers - Willi, Erwin and Hans.
He is survived by two
sons - Hans (Susan) Schroeder of St. Joseph and Fritz (Janna) Schroeder of Wellington, Nev.; three daughters - Ava Hoffman of St. Joseph, Brigitte (Richard) Kiessling of Olivet, Mich., and Anne (Dave) Williams of Benton Harbor; 11 grandchildren - Christine (Ronald) Silc, Donald (Debra) Moga, Steven Moga, Gregg Handleman, Krista (Jeff) Collins, Jeffrey (Melissa) Schroeder, Kimberly Christie, David (Soumaya) Williams, Marc (Dawn) Williams, Michael (Meara) Williams and Jeffrey (Lisa) Kiessling; 16 greatgrandchildren - Ryan and Aaron Silc, Kyle, Marty and Hunter Moga, Kristy (Nick) Van Sickle, Jennifer Rombaugh, Andrew and Abigail Schroeder, Scott and Ashley Christie, Briar, Danielle and Benjamin Williams, Alex Parsons, Logan Kiessling; and two great-greatgrandchildren - Camden and Mercedes Van Sickle.
His friendly smile and nature will be missed by all. Memorials may be made to Hospice of St. Joseph.
The family will receive visitors from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25, at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, which is entrusted with the arrangements. Interment will be private at a later date.
SCHROEDER
