Eugene E. Schroeder, age 88, of Merrill, passed away Wednesday, October 28, 2015, at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill.
Eugene was born September 23, 1927, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, son of the late Elmer and Esther (Sense) Schroeder. He married Elaine Tewes on September 8, 1951. She survives. Eugene served his country as a Merchant Marine during World War II. He also served with the Wisconsin National Guard. He was recently accepted to the Never Forgotten Honor Flight which was scheduled for the spring of 2016. For 35 years, Eugene drove the garbage truck for the City of Merrill Street Department.
Eugene enjoyed bird watching; hunting; camping at Fox Fire Campground for more than 37 years; and traveling as a “snow bird”, especially to Gulf Shores, Alabama. Eugene also enjoyed fishing in Canada, a tradition that started with his parents taking him and eventually led to trips with his son, Steve and Steve’s children. He always looked forward to family gatherings. Eugene was a master card player and enjoyed playing Cribbage, Sheepshead and UNO. He loved to find bargains and was known for his negotiating tactics. Eugene was also well-known for riding his scooter around town. He was a very generous spirit. Eugene was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill.
Survivors include his wife, Elaine Schroeder of Merrill; two daughters, Sandra (Michael) Berndt and Sharon Schubert both of Merrill; one son, Steven (Dianne) Schroeder of West Bend, Wisconsin; six grandchildren, Jennifer (Corey) Meyer of Merrill, John Fleischman of Milwaukee, Jerad (Shari) Schubert of Merrill, Jason Schubert of Wausau, Ryan Schroeder of De Pere, and Captain Kyle Schroeder of Moore, Oklahoma; two step grandchildren, Anne (Jeremy) Peeters of Lake Saint Louis, Missouri, and Christopher Berndt of Wausau; seven great-grandchildren, Christopher, Melanie, Terrin, Cassandra, Kathy, Travis, and Melinda; and four step great-grandchildren, Arianna, Wyatt, Kayla, and Aidan. Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Esther Schroeder; one granddaughter, Kayla Schroeder; one grandson, Jesse Fleischman; and one son-in-law, Jack Schubert.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, November 2, 2015 at St. John Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. Joel Hoelter will officiate. Burial will take place at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery with graveside military rites conducted by V.F.W. Post 1638, Merrill. The visitation will begin at 9:00 A.M. Monday at church. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St. John Lutheran Church and School, Merrill.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com