1920
Clarence
2014
Clarence Schroeder
September 30, 1920 — April 18, 2014
Clarence John Schroeder, age 93, died at home surrounded by his loving family on Good Friday, April 18, 2014. Clarence was born in Waubeca, WI September 30, 1920 to Joseph and Viola (Peterson) Schroeder and spent his boyhood years in Fredonia at his parents dairy and egg farm. He graduated from Random Lake (WI) High School. After graduation, he worked at Kerney and Trecker until he joined the US Army Air Corps in April, 1943. Clarence was a B26 pilot stationed in Venlo, Holland and flew 55 combat missions in the European theater, mainly over France and Germany. He met the lovely Dorothy Lucille Johnson in 1941. She said she would never be a furlough bride or get married in the Winter. They were married at her home in Fredonia, WI on January 16, 1944 while he was home on leave. After the war, they moved to Albert Lea, where he took a job with Universal Milking Machine Company in 1946. He rose to the level of general manager and retired in 1983. During weekends and evenings, Clarence built their home on Willamor Road in 1951.
Clarence was active in the American Legion, Rotary Club (50 year member), Western Star 26 Masonic Lodge (Past Master and 50 year member), and the Osman Shrine (Past President). Clarence referred many children to the lifesaving care of the Shriners Hospital for Children. You could bet Clarence was in one of the Shrine's little Model B roadsters during parades in southern MN. Many community members were welcomed by Clarence at the delicious Masonic Lodge Sunday Amaranth Pancake breakfasts. He was also Director for the Albert B. Cuppage Charitable Foundation from it's inception in 1981 until 2012; Past President of the Chamber of Commerce; and Member of First Bank (US Bank) Board.
After retirement, Clarence and Dorothy enjoyed traveling to every state of the union including Hawaii, and Alaska. They traveled to Costa Rica and included zip lining in their adventures. They enjoyed trips to visit their children in New York, Texas, Virginia, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin. He was fortunate to be able to participate in an Honor Flight for veterans to visit the WWII memorial in Washington DC, where his son Mark met him and spent the day. One of the most memorable trips during his youth was a trip to California via Route 66 by Indian Motorcycle in 1938.
Clarence is preceded in death by his parents and brother Gilbert. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, children Mark, Leslie (Larry) Sturzenberger, Lane (Linda Soltis), and Todd (Sonia Lopez), daughter-in-law Pam Schroeder; grandson Giancarlo, granddaughters Viviana and Carla; Sister-in-law Lou (Lorly) and many nieces and nephews.
Clarence's family wishes to thank the rich community of friends surrounding him throughout the years, especially during times of need.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 24 from 4:00 to 6:30 pm followed by a Masonic service at Bonnerup Funeral Home, 2210 E Main Street, Albert Lea, MN. Memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, April 25 at First Lutheran Church, 301 W. Clark Street, Albert Lea, MN. The service includes color guard with military honors. Lunch to follow at the church fellowship hall. Internment at Fort Snelling at a later date.
In lieu of flowers please send memorials to The Albert B. Cuppage Foundation, Shriners Hospital for Children, or Mayo Clinic-Albert Lea Hospice.
Clarence was active in the American Legion, Rotary Club (50 year member), Western Star 26 Masonic Lodge (Past Master and 50 year member), and the Osman Shrine (Past President). Clarence referred many children to the lifesaving care of the Shriners Hospital for Children. You could bet Clarence was in one of the Shrine's little Model B roadsters during parades in southern MN. Many community members were welcomed by Clarence at the delicious Masonic Lodge Sunday Amaranth Pancake breakfasts. He was also Director for the Albert B. Cuppage Charitable Foundation from it's inception in 1981 until 2012; Past President of the Chamber of Commerce; and Member of First Bank (US Bank) Board.
After retirement, Clarence and Dorothy enjoyed traveling to every state of the union including Hawaii, and Alaska. They traveled to Costa Rica and included zip lining in their adventures. They enjoyed trips to visit their children in New York, Texas, Virginia, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin. He was fortunate to be able to participate in an Honor Flight for veterans to visit the WWII memorial in Washington DC, where his son Mark met him and spent the day. One of the most memorable trips during his youth was a trip to California via Route 66 by Indian Motorcycle in 1938.
Clarence is preceded in death by his parents and brother Gilbert. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, children Mark, Leslie (Larry) Sturzenberger, Lane (Linda Soltis), and Todd (Sonia Lopez), daughter-in-law Pam Schroeder; grandson Giancarlo, granddaughters Viviana and Carla; Sister-in-law Lou (Lorly) and many nieces and nephews.
Clarence's family wishes to thank the rich community of friends surrounding him throughout the years, especially during times of need.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 24 from 4:00 to 6:30 pm followed by a Masonic service at Bonnerup Funeral Home, 2210 E Main Street, Albert Lea, MN. Memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, April 25 at First Lutheran Church, 301 W. Clark Street, Albert Lea, MN. The service includes color guard with military honors. Lunch to follow at the church fellowship hall. Internment at Fort Snelling at a later date.
In lieu of flowers please send memorials to The Albert B. Cuppage Foundation, Shriners Hospital for Children, or Mayo Clinic-Albert Lea Hospice.
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