Wayne Clifford Schroeder, age 81, of Plover, died October 26, 2017 at home after a year-long battle with cancer. He was under the care of his family and Aspirus Hospice.
Wayne was born September 1, 1936 to Walter & Lily (Kramer) Schroeder at home on the farm in the Town of Bristol, WI. He attended various grade schools and graduated from Madison East High School. Then, Wayne attended UW-Madison and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Extension Education in 1961.
Wayne married Nancy Lenore Weum on May 15, 1959 at Christ Lutheran Church in Stoughton, WI.
Wayne began working as a 4-H agent in Richland County then spent 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 RSVP escort and bus driver for the Lincoln Center. He also taught the AARP 55-Alive defensive driving course.
Wayne was an avid Badger, Packer 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.
Wayne will be remembered as a loving and kind family man and friend to many. He leaves behind a legacy through his faith, family and friends.
He is survived by wife, Nancy of Plover; children, Alan W. (Karen) Schroeder of Stevens Point; Melinda (Brian) Schaefer of Dodge Center, MN; Diana (Randy) Lawrie of Hudson; grandchildren, Evan (Bertha), Michael (Catelyn), Jenna, Garrett (Stephanie), Cody, Cole, and Brooke; great-grandchildren, Brett, Taydem, Emmalyn, Bella, Jayce, Mikey, and Xander; and brother, Harold Schroeder, Dallas, TX.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter & Lily Schroeder; infant children, Cynthia and Stephen; and brothers, Dwight & Willard Schroeder.
A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 30, 2017 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Plover with Rev. Ben Sheets officiating. Visitations will be Sunday, October 29 from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Boston Funeral Home and Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will be at Cottage Grove Cemetery in Cottage Grove, WI at a later date.
Online condolences may be made to www.bostonfuneralhome.net.
The family would like to thank Aspirus Hospice for their wonderful care that was given to Wayne in his final days.
Published in Stevens Point Journal on Oct. 28, 2017
