Schroeder, Wilhelm (1868-1964)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1964 Mar 26 p. 10

Birth date: 1868 Aug 22

text of obituary:

WILHELM SCHROEDER

Wilhelm Schroeder was born Aug. 22, 1868 in Montau, Germany, to Johann and Maria (Franz) Schroeder.

On March 12, 1883 he together with his mother, one sister and one younger brother left for America to join his father, one older sister and two older brothers who had arrived in America several months earlier, on Oct. 4, 1882, having settled at Halstead, Kan. His parents joined the Mennonite Church there. On August 23, 1885 he was baptized on the confession of his faith and joined the Halstead Mennonite Church too.

He was married to Sara Janz on Oct. 6, 1895. To this union were born six children, of whom three died in infancy.

In September 1900 he moved with his family, parents and two brothers to Paso Robles, Calif. When his father became ill a year later, he moved back to Kansas with his family and parents at the request of his father. After the death of his father he and his family again moved to Paso Robles in October 1909, and joined th Mennonite Church there.

In th fall of 1914 he moved with his family to Fairmead (Madera County), Calif. and joined the General Conference Mennonite Church in Reedley, Calif.

Mr. Schroeder was perhaps best characterized by his unwavering courage and optimistic outlook on life. He was a self-educated man and read a lot on philosophy and church history. He memorized many long Bible portions and favorite songs. He served as Sunday school teacher for over 35 years, until his hearing failed. He loved the Lord and enjoyed talking about Bible prophecy.

In April 1949 he and his wife moved to Winton, Calif. and there his wife preceded him in death on Oct. 11, 1960. He and his wife were members of the Bethel Mennonite Church in Winton until the Lord took them home.

Surviving are two sons, William of Madera and Bernhard of Winton, one daughter, Selma Fhy [sic Fly], of Winton; 15 grandchildren (one preceded them in death) and six great-grandchildren.

It pleased the Lord to take him home at the age of 95 years and six months after a long illness.

Memorial services were held Feb. 24 at the Bethel Mennonite Church at Winton, with Rev. Geo. Dick officiating. The text selected by Mr. Schroeder, was Gen. 24:36. Interment was made in the Winton Cemetery.

The Mennonite obituary: 1964 Mar 31 p. 223