Fredrich Schroeder

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 WWII 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 the Whirlpool Corporation in the maintenance department, retiring in 1970. He and his wife, Emily, moved to Boynton Beach, Florida. Emily Schroeder died October 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, 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, Nevada; three daughters, Ava Hoffman of St. Joseph, Brigitte (Richard) Kiessling of Olivet, and Anne (Dave) Williams of Benton Harbor; eleven grandchildren, Christine (Ronald) Silc, Donald (Debra) Moga, Steven Moga, Gregg Handleman, Krista (Jeff) Collins, Jeffrey (Melissa) Schroeder, Kimberly Christie, David (Somaya) Williams, Marc (Dawn) Williams, Michael (Meara) Williams, Jeffrey (Lisa) Kiessling; sixteen great-grandchildren, Ryan and Aaron Silc, Kyle, Marty and Hunter Moga, Kristy (Nick) VanSickle, Jennifer Rombaugh, Andrew and Abigail Schroeder, Scott and Ashley Christie, Brian, Danielle and Benjamin Williams, Alex Parsons, Logan Kiessling; two great-great-grandchildren, Camden and Mercedes VanSickle. 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 5-8 PM on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI which has been entrusted with the arrangements. Interment will be private at a later date.