Menno Schroeder

Menno David Schroeder, the son of David H. and Helena (Peters) Schroeder was born on February 6, 1918, in Carson Township, Cottonwood County, MN. He received his education at Crossroads country school, District 69, near his home, and having always wished for more education, Menno worked crossword puzzles and read daily newspapers. On May 16, 1937, Menno was baptized upon confession of his faith and received as a member of Bethel Mennonite Church in Mountain Lake, where he remained an active life long member. Menno was united in marriage on June 15, 1943 to Esther Elma Ratzlaff, and they made their home on Menno's home farm, where he was a dairy, poultry and grain farmer. Esther died on October 25, 1950. On July 8, 1951, Menno married Jean Marjorie Harms in Whitewater, KS. They continued to make their home on the farm until moving into Mountain Lake, MN in 1974. After leaving the farm Menno worked at the Gamble's store and at Balzer Manufacturing. Menno was a devoted husband - taking on household chores and caring for his wife as her health began deteriorating early in their marriage. Menno struggled with many health issues, and in 1996, he and Jean moved to the Parkwood Place Apartments. Menno served in his church by singing in the Men's Chorus, as a member of the Church Council, as Sunday School Secretary and helping with MDS disaster relief. He also served on the Co-op Creamery Board of Directors. He liked working with wood. With simple power tools he built various knickknacks for his grandchildren and wishing wells for each of his children. Earlier this year Menno was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, which severely diminished his strength. Menno died on Sunday morning, April 23, 2006, at the Good Samaritan Village in Mountain Lake. Menno is survived by his wife, Jean Schroeder of Mountain Lake; four children, Richard and wife Theora Schroeder of Lakewood, CO, Marilyn and husband Jay Franz of Windom, MN, Allen and wife Janice Schroeder of Mountain Lake, and Donna and husband Ron Neufeld of Mountain Lake; ten grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; two sisters, Pauline and husband Raymond Balzer of Whitewater, KS, and Edna and husband John Nickel of Mountain Lake; a sister-in-law, Glendeen Schroeder of Mountain Lake; a brother-in-law, Arthur Balzer of Newton, KS; many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Esther (Ratzlaff) Schroeder; a brother, Robert Schroeder; and a sister, Louise Balzer.