William “Bill” L. Schroeder, 79, joined his heavenly father on May 26th, 2023.
A Francis Creek native, Bill was born on March 1st, 1944, son of the late Lothar and Annabelle (Torrison) Schroeder. A farmer from a young age, Bill spent years working alongside his parents on their farm in Francis Creek WI. Bill graduated from Mishicot High School with the Class of 1962. Bill fell deeply in love in high school and on April 20th, 1963, married his wife, Karen, at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Mishicot. Bill and Karen went on to build their own farm and had three children, Tracy, Todd, and Travis. For over 50 years, Bill and Karen along with their three children created and built Rainbow Variety Farms a mile down the road from where Bill grew up. An avid member of the agricultural community Bill could be found supporting local FFA groups, was a member of the Associated Milk Producers, Branch Cheese, Production Credit Association, Farm Bureau, and the Federal Land Banks. Bill was a member and past president at Rockwood Evangelical Lutheran Church. He enjoyed cruising around the town of Kossuth with his furry friend Lucky, watching his favorite shows, spending time with his family, but above all was a farmer until his health diminished.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Karen (Stueck) Schroeder, daughter Tracy (Mark) Schaller, sons Todd and Travis (Tammy) Schroeder. Along with his four grandchildren Zachary Schaller (Breanna), Kelsey Schaller; Shayna (Cody) Guenther, and Jayden Schroeder (Garrett). Also survived by one sister Beverly (Ron) Kocian, one sister-in-law Carma (Kenny) Kornely, nieces, nephews, other relatives, special friends, Al Seidl and Bruce Klemm, and many others. He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Oscar and Irene Stueck, granddaughter Katelyn Schroeder, sister Marilyn (John) Zucchi, sister-in-law Elmmyra (LaVern) Shedal , and man’s best friend Lucky.
The family would like to say thank you to the staff of UW Madison Health, Aurora and Holy Family Home Care, and Aurora Health Care for their continued care for Bill over the years until his final day.
Cremation has taken place and a gathering of family and close friends will take place from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 North Water Street, Manitowoc. A memorial service will occur at 11:00 a.m. Bill will be laid to rest at Knollwood Memorial Park at a later date. The family ask those who knew Bill to have a cold beer in his honor and toast to the heavens up high. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family for donation of their choice.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com. The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
“The farmer knows just what to do, for God has given him understanding. … The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is a wonderful teacher and he gives the farmer great wisdom” – Isaiah 28:26, 29
