LaVern Schroeder
(1932 - 2019)
Obituary
LaVern Allen Schroeder, 87, died
Thursday (Nov. 7, 2019) at Asbury Park in Newton. LaVern was born
Aug. 16, 1932, to Alvin and Marie Schroeder. In the family genealogy
it was reported, "In 1932, the family became complete with a
cheerful little boy – that got lots of attention from the whole
family." This must have been true. His (surviving) sister, Hilma
still remembers "I stayed home with LaVern a few years more than
I should have because I loved him so much."
In September 1953, Lavern married Jane
Frey of Goessel. He left soon after for the service. After being
stationed in Germany, he later attended Bethel College, Colorado
University and ultimately graduated from Wichita State University
with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Upon graduating, LaVern and Jane
briefly moved to the family farm before relocating to various
locations in Wichita, Kansas City and New Jersey as LaVern pursued
various promotions and career opportunities. Ultimately they again
returned to the family farm in1970, when he assumed the position of
Plant Manager with Certainteed Corporation - where he continued to
work for many years until his retirement. At the same time, he
maintained the farm and remodeled the family farm home. He was always
busy but took great pride in it all.
LaVern continued to be very active in
retirement and never turned down an opportunity for adventure. He
pursued a variety of interests including travels throughout the
nation - many to visit his kids, grandkids and extended family. He
and his wife also traveled abroad to Europe, Prague and other
locations. He enjoyed automobiles and attended classic auto auctions
regularly. His pride and joy was his 1970 Cord that he proudly
displayed at local car shows. He was a fixture at local estate
auctions. He was well versed on a variety of topics and loved his
time at "coffee" in Goessel, where he would discuss the
important issues of the day (and some not so important).
He was predeceased by his wife, Jane,
in 2018.
He is survived by four children: twins
Michael in Ohio and Mark in Oklahoma, Craig in Kansas and Amy in
Connecticut; plus eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
He was thrilled to hear the news that he actually was soon to be
expecting two more great-grandchildren.
He was our mentor, father, professional
and spiritual guide to his children and grandchildren, as well as
other family and friends. He left an indelible impression with so
many and took many trips on his own – to watch over his flock,
whether it was building a treehouse, making sure grandkids were doing
their reading homework or in whatever capacity he was needed. He was
never shy to voice his own opinion and all the while indulging
everyone in humor and enjoyment. He will be missed.
A time to gather and celebrate the life
of LaVern will be 2:30 p.m. Sunday (Nov. 10, 2019) at Alexanderwohl
Church Fellowhip Hall. Visitation will be from 1:30 until service
time at the church on Sunday. Interment in Alexanderwohl Church
cemetery on Sunday.
Memorials to the church in care of Jost
Funeral Home, P.O. Box 266, Hillsboro, KS 67063. Online condolences
at www.jostfuneralhome.com.
