Schroeder, Friedrich (1910-2000)

Mennonite Brethren Herald obituary: 2000 Jun 23 p 29

Birth date: 1910 Mar 8

Text of obituary:

FRIEDRICH SCHROEDER

Friedrich (Fred) Schroeder of Abbotsford, B.C. passed away May 7. He was born Mar. 8, 1910 to Johann and Otilie Schroeder in Zygmuntowo, Poland. During World War I, the family resettled in Russia, only to return to Poland in 1918. At age 10, he felt convicted in a Bible class; at 14, he was confirmed in the Lutheran church; at 17, he committed his life to the Lord. He became active in a youth fellowship. He married Lora Nickel Feb. 14, 1940. During World War II, he was separated from his family for a while, while working for the German railroad. In 1949 the family came to Canada. He worked as a farmhand for 2 years in Namaka, Alta. before moving to Arnold, B.C., then Abbotsford, where he cleared 10 acres to farm. He also worked for some years at the FVMPA. He and Lora were baptized and joined South Abbotsford MB Church. In 1966 they joined King Road MB Church; here they taught Sunday school, were deacons and sang in the senior choir. In 1968 they retired to Clearbrook, B.C. In 1972 Lora died of cancer. On Feb. 7, 1976, he married Kathryne Klein, a widow living in Richmond, B.C. In 1991 they joined Clearbrook MB Church, where they served as deacons and senior choir members until poor health intervened. He was active in the community, including serving several years at Clearbrook Community Centre, where he helped seniors and those on fixed incomes complete income tax forms. He also led many bus trips for the Golden Age Society. He is remembered as a loving husband and father who always sought to nurture his family spiritually and lend a helping hand wherever he could. He felt that the Lord had truly blessed him; he looked forward to going home. Predeceased by Lora, he is mourned by Kathryne; children Elli Driediger of Abbotsford, Chris Casey of Italy, Ethel Valiant of Kelowna, B.C., Walter of Surrey, B.C. and John of Abbotsford; stepdaughter Evelyn Kliewer of Prince George, B.C.; 15 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, The funeral was May 12 in Clearbrook MB Church, with Peter J. Klassen, Jay Neufeld and Eldon DeFehr ministering.