Schroeder, Peter H. (1877-1971)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1971 Feb 4 p. 7

Birth date: 1877 Sep 30

text of obituary:

Retired Merchant of Hillsboro Dies

Hillsboro, Kan. — Funeral services for Peter H. Schroeder, 83, well-known retired merchant here, were held the afternoon of Jan. 30 at the First Mennonite Church with the pastor, Rev. Roland Goering, officiating. He was the oldest member of this church.

Mr. Schroeder died Jan. 27 at Bethel Deaconess Hospital in Newton, after having suffered a fractured hip on Jan. 14. A native of Hillsboro, he was co-owner of the pioneer firm of Schaeffler Mercantile here for many years, retiring in 1957. He was active in civic affairs, serving on the city council and the school board.

Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Herbert Wiebe and Mrs. Frank Jantz, both of Hillsboro, and Mrs. Waldo W. Leisy of Wichita; nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. His wife, the former Anna Nickel, died in 1965.

---

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1971 Apr 1 p. 11

text of obituary:

PETER H. SCHROEDER

Peter H. Schroeder, son of Peter P. and Anna Schroeder, was born Sept. 30, 1877 at Hillsboro, Kan. where he lived his entire life. He had two brothers, Henry H. and Corneal [sic Cornelius] H. and five sisters, Sarah, Agnes, Mary, Julia and Martha.

Father attended the French Creek school and helped on the farm northwest of Hillsboro. As a young man he made deliveries of dry goods to farmers with a horse and wagon for Kizler's Store. In 1901 he was employed by Schaeffler Mercantile Company. Later he became a partner and co-owner. He was associated with this firm for 57 years.

He married Anna Nickel on June 8, 1904. Five children were born to this union: Berniece, Hildred, Wesley, Edna and Lucille.

In 1954 mother and father celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and on June 14th, 1964 they were privileged to observe their 60th anniversary.

At the age of 16 years, father was baptized by Rev. John Gerbrandt and received into the Johannestal Mennonite Church. Later he transferred his membership to the Hillsboro First Mennonite Church where he remained an active, faithful member. He loved the church and attended regularly. He served many years as a Sunday school teacher, choir member and trustee. His enthusiastic encouragement as a member of the finance committee was helpful in the planning and erection of the new church.

Father was interested in community affairs and served on the city council and school board for many years. He remained a director of the First National Bank until his death. He served as president of the Schaeffler Mercantile Company from 1950 until the firm dissolved in 1957 at which time he retired at the age of 80 years.

Father enjoyed excellent health until surgery in May 1969. His cheerful Christian outlook on life was an inspiration to his family and was always appreciated by his many friends. He moved into the Hillsboro Home for the Aged in 1969.

On Jan. 14 he fell and fractured his hip and was hospitalized. He died on Jan. 27, 1971, attaining the age of 93 years, three months and 27 days.

Preceding him in death were his wife, on Jan. 16, 1965; a daughter, Berniece, at age 15; and a son, Wesley at age four and a half. Those who remain to mourn his passing are Hildred and Herbert Wiebe, Edna and Frank Jantz, Lucille and Waldo Leisy; nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Jan. 30 at the First Mennonite church of Hillsboro with Rev. Roland Goering, pastor, officiating. — The Children.

The Mennonite obituary: 1971 Feb 9 p. 91