Paul Edward Schroeder was born on September 8, 1927 near Westphalia, IN. He was the son of the late Louis and Lena “Sanders” Schroeder.
Paul graduated from Edwardsport High School in 1947 and went on to Purdue University. He graduated from the Agriculture Short Course in 1948. After school, Paul married the love of his life, Iris LaVerne Chappell Schroeder, on February 18, 1951 in Westphalia, IN.
Paul worked on the family farm until he was 95 years old, helping his son and grandson whenever he could. He enjoyed gardening and caring for his yard. He mowed four to five yards for family until age 95. He rarely found time for hobbies as farming was his passion. He enjoyed raising cattle and also had a finishing cattle operation for many years.
He and LaVerne were avid square dancers and loved to play Euchre with their card club, friends and family. During the winter Paul could be found picking up and cracking pecans for his wife (and later himself) who made them into their famous pecan pies.
Paul was a member of the Salem United Church of Christ, Edwardsport Alumni, and the Bicknell Elks Club. He was a founding member of the Sandborn & Westphalia (S & W) Telephone Company and the Widner Mutual Insurance Company in Freelandville. He was a director in the White River Valley Feeder Cattle Association for many years.
Paul was preceded by his wife who passed away on May 19, 2015 after 64 years of marriage, his parents, and his sister, Mildred Schroeder Duzan. Paul is survived by his son, Bill E. Schroeder and his wife Kim Beard Schroeder of Westphalia, his two grandchildren, Andrea “Schroeder” Harting (Seth) and Scott Schroeder (Hannah) both of near Westphalia, IN, his three great-grandchildren, Ameila and Oliver Harting and Elliot Schroeder, as well as his two sisters, Helen “Schroeder” Parkes of Vincennes, IN, and Carolyn “Schroeder” Schenler of Oregon and several nieces and nephews.
There will be a visitation held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Salem United Church of Christ in Westphalia, IN with the service following officiated by Pastor Brian Taylor. Burial will be held immediately after at Salem Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Freelandville Community Home. Online condolences and fond memories may be made to www.fredrickandson.com. Fredrick and Son McClure-Utt Funeral Home, Bicknell Chapel, is honored to be entrusted with Mr. Schroeder’s arrangements.
