Wayne C. Schroeder
Wayne Clifford Schroeder, 81, Plover, died Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017, at home after a year-long battle with cancer. He was under the care of his family and Aspirus Hospice.
He was born Sept. 1, 1936, to Walter and Lily (Kramer) Schroeder at home on the farm in the town of Bristol. He attended various grade schools and graduated from Madison East High School. Then, Wayne attended University of Wisconsin-Madison and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Extension Education in 1961.
He was married to Nancy Lenore Weum May 15, 1959, at Christ Lutheran Church in Stoughton.
He began working as a 4-H agent in Richland County, then spent for the majority of his career in Portage County as the 4-H Youth and Development Agent. Throughout his career, he received many awards including induction into the national and state 4-H Halls of Fame.
Earlier in his career, he served as president of the National 4-H Agents Association. After his retirement in 1992, he volunteered for Ministry Life Direct, Interfaith Food Pantry and as a Retired Senior Volunteer Program escort and bus driver for the Lincoln Center. He also taught the AARP 55-Alive defensive driving course.
He was an avid Badgers, Packers and Brewers fan. In his free time, he enjoyed traveling, playing cards and spending time with family and friends. He was a charter member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. He was the president of the Bethany Lutheran Foundation and served as a board member of Bethany Lutheran Home in Waupaca. He also was a member of the Lions and Optimist Clubs.
He is survived by wife, Nancy, Plover; three children, Alan W. (Karen) Schroeder, Stevens Point, Melinda (Brian) Schaefer, Dodge Center, Minn.; Diana (Randy) Lawrie, Hudson; seven grandchildren, Evan (Bertha), Michael (Catelyn), Jenna, Garrett (Stephanie), Cody, Cole and Brooke; seven great-grandchildren, Brett, Taydem, Emmalyn, Bella, Jayce, Mikey and Xander; and one brother, Harold Schroeder, Dallas, Texas.
He was preceded in death by two infant children, Cynthia and Stephen; and two brothers, Dwight and Willard Schroeder.
A funeral service was Monday, Oct. 30, 2017, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Plover, with Rev. Ben Sheets officiating. Visitations were Sunday, Oct. 29, at Boston Funeral Home and Monday prior to services at the church. Burial will be at Cottage Grove Cemetery in Cottage Grove at a later date.
Online condolences may be offered to www.bostonfuneralhome.net.
The family would like to thank Aspirus Hospice for their care.