Schroeder, Isaac (1882-1960)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1960 Apr 21 p. 8

Birth date: 1892 Nov 12

text of obituary:

ISAAC SCHROEDER

Isaac Schroeder was born to John and Justina (Nickel) Schroeder in Nicolayofka, South Russia, on Nov. 12, 1882.

He received his education at Kronstadt, Ignakawoka. Here he realized his lost condition and accepted Christ as Saviour. On August 12, 1905 he was baptized and accepted in the M. B. church.

During his youth in Ignakawoka he met his beloved wife and partner, Gertrude Schellenberg. They were married on Sept. 30, 1903 and sailed for Canada three weeks later, arriving in Winkler, Manitoba. Two years later both of their families followed them. The parents of our father settled at Main Centre, Sask. in 1905 father and mother also took up a homestead at Main Centre. They built a sod house and experienced real pioneering there.

Father was a courageous man and by God's grace saw his family through disheartening times. For 20 years he invested some of his time in the ministry of music at the M. B. church of Main Centre, since music was his speciality. Later he felt led to reach out to other points such as Lowe Farm, Goultown sic Gouldtown] , Riverdal [sic Riversdale], Lilistrom [sic Lillestrom] and others where he organized Sunday schools and Christian Endeaver groups.

At every opportunity possible he would secure an evangelist to conduct a campaign. In one of these campaigns, conducted by Rev. Art Stewart, 22 souls were saved in one night, and four of these were members of one family. They formed a mixed quartet and have been used much by the Lord in giving programs and opening doors for Christian services. At least nine of these are today out in the foreign fields serving their Lord and Master. Thus the Lord has richly blessed his services.

After retiring in Herbert in 1941, he took up a mail route for 11 years. Here in Herbert he had the opportunity to render weekly services in song in the home for the aged. Our parents resided in Herbert until Dec. 24, 1959 when they took up residence in Swift Current in order to be closer to their family.

During the past year his health failed and he was hospitalized several times. On Feb. 29 he underwent surgery at the Main Centre hospital from which he awoke rejoicing in the Lord. Yet his physical condition worsened, and on March 2 he quietly slipped away to be with his Lord. He reached the age of 77 years, three months and 19 days.

Our husband and father was reared in a Christian family of four brothers and five sisters. All but one sister, Mrs. Tena Redekop, preceded him in death. Also his son Bill, his daughter Elizabeth Peters and one infant son have already gone to meet their Maker.

He leaves to mourn his departure his beloved wife Gertrude; 13 of his 16 children, John of Chiliwack, B.C., Pete of Millings [sic Billings?], Mont., Henry, Victor, Emma and Mrs. Clarence Peters of Swift Current, Mrs. Mary Penner of Reedley, Calif., Art of Elko, B.C., Jake and Abe of Main Centre, Mrs. Hulda Brown, missionary to Africa, Mrs. Luella Epp of Regina, Mrs. Lenora Giesbrecht of Waldheim; 32 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.

The Mennonite obituary: 1960 Jun 21 p. 419