Carl Schroeder, 95, passed away on October 27, 2020 in Hillsboro, IL. Devoted husband of 74 years to Gloria Schroeder, and proud and loving grandfather and uncle, he will be greatly missed.
Born in Chicago, IL in 1925 to Paul and Anna (Schaefer) Schroeder, Carl graduated Lane Technical High School in 1942. He met the love of his life, Gloria, at a high school dance. They tripped the light fantastic whenever they could until was he drafted into the US Army Airforce in 1943. Carl served in the India-Burma Theater where he became a Staff Sergeant, directing and supervising administrative sections of a headquarters organization. Carl was well known as the guy who could get things done and became quite a wiz on the typewriter. During his three years overseas, Carl wrote letters to his mother and Gloria every day, without exception.
Upon his return in 1946, Carl and Gloria married in Chicago, IL. The couple had a ball dancing to the big bands, including the Glenn Miller Orchestra, at the Aragon Ballroom. Up until the 1970s, they travelled throughout the Midwest with a square dancing group.
Carl was an adoring husband and devoted family man. He and Gloria had four sons, including twins. When they were not busy with family, Carl was an avid fisherman and built and flew model, gas-powered, aircraft.
A work ethic second to none, Carl was employed by Argo-Collier Trucking Company in Chicago for 30 years before retiring to Shipman, IL in 1983. In retirement, Carl continued his passion for fishing, making his own lures and always seeming to catch more fish than those lucky enough accompany him. He was active in the United Methodist Church, Martha’s Pantry, and the Lion’s Club, of which he served as President. Carl also worked part-time at Jefferson Smurfit and Beaver Dam State Park.
Throughout his life, Carl had a knack for making those around him feel special. He wrote letters, opened his home, cracked jokes and offered encouraging words. His witty, heartfelt, typewritten letters were infamous and brightened the days of his family and friends. He helped many people through difficult times with his acts of kindness.
Carl is survived by his wife, Gloria, of Litchfield, IL; son, David Schroeder (Sherry), of Cool Valley, MO; grandchildren, Laura Kunze (Dan), Sean Schroeder (Kelli), Scott Schroeder, Amanda Schroeder and Kyle Schroeder; great-grandchildren, Isabelle Kunze, Greta Kunze, Blake Schroeder and Brynlee Schroeder; daughter-in-law, Betty Schroeder; sister-in-law, Carol Schroeder; nieces and nephews, John (Carol) Schroeder, Linda Schroeder, Kurt Schroeder, Bill (Susan) Keating and Michael (Beth) Keating, and children. He is preceded in death by his sons, Paul Schroeder, Richard Schroeder, and Dan Schroeder; parents, Anna and Paul Schroeder; brothers, Walter Schroeder and Paul Schroeder; daughter-in-law, Linda Mulso; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Schroeder, Charlotte Schroeder and Rita Keating; brothers-in-law, Jim Keating and William Keating; nieces, Cathy Keating and Jenny Keating.
Litchfield Family Funeral Service, Litchfield, IL is assisting the family with arrangements.
A memorial service with Military Honors will be held at a later date at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, IL.
Online condolences may be made at www.litchfieldffs.com. Donations in memoriam may be made to “Martha’s Pantry”, mailed to Shipman United Methodist Church, 278 Keating Street, Shipman, IL 62685.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Carl Schroeder, please visit our floral store.