Robert Lawrence Schroeder
January 10, 1931 — October 12, 2022
January 10, 1931 — October 12, 2022
Robert Lawrence Schroeder, 91, died Wednesday, October 12, 2022, at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King, of natural causes. He was born January 10, 1931, in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, to Golda and Lawrence Schroeder. He was a multi-sport athlete at Reedsburg High School, earning nine letters and a place in their Athletic Hall of Fame. He graduated in 1949, and served as a kicker on the Air Force Fliers football team at Kessler AFB during the Korean conflict.
Bob married his first wife Frances Juvrud in Minnesota, where his daughter Karen was born. Their son Paul was born in Reedsburg, and after Bob graduated from the University of Platteville, they moved to Freeport, Illinois, where Bob taught Social Studies at the Junior High. In 1966 he married Ellen Hale, and their twin sons Erik and Kurt were born in Green Bay, where he built their home. Bob also lived in Arizona and on the Gulf of California in Mexico.
Bob was a history teacher, a night owl, an avid reader, and book collector. He wrote many letters to friends and family, and maintained ongoing penpal friendships with King-area school children while he was a resident at the Veterans Home. He loved running and cycling, biking 100 miles to attend a Reedsburg reunion in 2009. He cherished time outdoors hiking and camping, and skied the Birkebeiner.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and sister Betty. He is survived by his brother Dale (Pat) of Edgerton, WI, sister Suzanne of San Diego, and brother Tom of Cortland, IL.; by his daughter Karen (Glenn) Sharkey of Freeport and son Paul (Marie) Schroeder of Rockford; sons Erik Schroeder of Minneapolis and Kurt (Sandy) Schroeder of Rochester, MN, as well as a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whose framed photos covered the walls of his room at King.
Despite a life of sport and exercise, Bob suffered from bipolar disease, for which he was diagnosed and well cared for by the VA medical system for many years. To honor him, we suggest that you support organizations that assist veterans, visit your local used book store, or go on a walk-in nature with a friend or loved one.
Robert had a keen interest in photography, and was well known for his 35mm slideshows. Here are some photos of him over the years.
Dad and I drove to Colorado and hiked Longs Peak. We camped overnight in Boulder Field, and woke up experiencing altitude sickness. We descended and drove south through Colorado Springs to climb some of the Sangre de Christo Range, and hiked there in the rain. During the trip our luggage was stolen, and we wore the same clothes all week. Boy that bath when we got back home felt good!
Dad and I spent a lot of one-on-one time together when I was young. Whether it be some yard work, a small construction project, or splitting wood, I was always watching him and trying to learn his techniques (most often without being bothersome). Likely the most important thing I learned revolved around athletics, as he taught me how to throw and hit baseballs and footballs. Most importantly he taught me the proper mechanics of a jump shot, and rebounding technique. I still love basketball, and miss his teachings. Whenever I find a game on TV I'm drawn to it, and have to watch at least a few plays...if not the rest of the game!
My father was a night owl, and my brother and I would often sneak downstairs to find him watching a movie, or reading a book. In the morning, we would wake up early and walk around, finding loose change, and drinking half-full cups of cold coffee left on the tables where he sat. One of the stories I tell friends about my dad is how one time he let us watch the movie The Exorcist. Halfway through, he told us it was time for bed. Erik and I successfully argued that if we were allowed to stay up and watch the whole movie, we would know how it ended, and not have nightmares. He agreed, and we went to bed later and slept soundly.
Bob was cremated and his ashes were interred at the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King. A private memorial service was held.
Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca, Wisconsin is assisting the family with arrangements.
If you have a story or a memory you wish to share about Bob, you may email us.