January 30, 2024 – West Bend, WI – Lois Margaret (nee Schroeder) Schneider, 80, of West Bend, WI left this earthly world for her eternal home on Friday, January 26, 2024, in the care of Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice. She was born the youngest of Albert P. and Hermoine (Lynn) Schroeder’s three daughters on December 29, 1943, in West Bend, WI.
Lois’ early years were spent on her family’s farm, the Schroeder Dairy. It is there where her love of animals grew. Many of her childhood stories centered on caring for the calves and the many farm cats that followed her wherever she went. She was extremely proud of her family history and their contributions in Washington County.
When she was in 5th grade, her family made the “move to town.” Having started her elementary education in a one-room schoolhouse, she began attending McLane and graduated from West Bend High School in 1962. After graduation she held various administrative jobs at local manufacturers.
In 1968 she met Jim Schroeder, and they married on September 25, 1971. With both having the last name of Schroeder, they became Schroeder, Incorporated. As they built a life together, they welcomed their daughter, Charmaine, in August of 1976. Jim preceded her in death on May 4, 2007.
Following in her father’s footprints of public service, Lois was elected as the Town Clerk for the Town of Trenton. During election years, the front lawn was adorned with hand painted signs that read “Schroeder for Town Clerk.” Lois held the role of Town Clerk for 17 years. She also served as the Village of Belgium’s Assistant Deputy Clerk. During her time, she met so many wonderful people and developed lifelong friendships that she cherished.
Searching for the next chapter in her career, her daughter encouraged her to take the legal secretary exam for the State of Wisconsin. She felt out of her comfort zone, but she did it. Scoring well, she was hired as a legal secretary for the State Public Defender’s Office – Juvenile Division at the now Vel R. Phillips Juvenile Justice Center. Lois thrived and became a trusted partner to the attorneys, judges and staff at the center. Even though the work was challenging, she found her purpose and it was one of the most rewarding jobs she had in her career. Lois retired in 2010.
In 2009, she met Don Schneider, and they began dating. Married on October 18, 2014, they began a life of dancing, driving in parades with Don’s Model T and getting together with friends and family. All of which she loved.
Life’s greatest joy came when she became a grandma in April of 1998 with the birth of Brianna. She was over the moon in love with her. As Brianna got older, Grandma would plan adventures with her, and those memories will always be cherished. In September of 2023, Brianna blessed her with the role of great grandma. She was so excited and loved seeing and holding her Josie Marie.
Lois is survived by her daughter, Charmaine (Troy) Conrad of Elkhart Lake, WI; grandchildren Brianna (Jeremy) Rachu of Edgar, WI, Ava Conrad and Evan Conrad both of Elkhart Lake, WI; and great-grandchild Josie Marie Rachu. Her husband, Don Schneider and his family. She is further survived by her sister, Jane Bailey of Florida; sister-and brother-in-law’s, nieces, nephews and friends. Preceding her in death was her husband, Jim Schroeder, her parents, Albert and Hermoine Schroeder and sister, Lynn McShane.
A note from her daughter…
Mom was fun-loving, a social butterfly, kind, passionate about her family, had a servant heart, fiercely independent and demonstrated amazing perseverance. She taught Brianna and me so much about love, life and loss. She will be missed by many and loved forever by “her girls”. Godspeed, Mom.
To all that extended their kindness and charity to my Mom and I in the past few weeks, thank you! To my colleagues at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, the love and support you have given to my Mom and our family will always be held tightly in our hearts and minds. Thank you so much!
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice or the Washington County Humane Society in Lois’ memory are appreciated.
A Funeral Service will be at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, February 5, 2024, at the Phillip Funeral Home Chapel (1420 W Paradise Dr. West Bend, WI 53095) with Vikar Jakob Kroener presiding. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Monday, February 5 from 11:30 a.m. until 1:15 p.m. Interment will immediately follow at Washington County Memorial Park.
So Sorry Don for your loss. What a remarkable woman.