John Schroeder

John John Schroeder was born on July 23rd, 1926 in Muscatine, Iowa to Jack Schroeder and Irene Hickey. He lived his childhood in Iowa until he graduated from high school and joined the service. At the age of 17 and while the world was involved in the second World War, John enlisted in the Army Air Forces on October 20th, 1943 in Des Moines, Iowa. He would serve overseas and assist in the African, as well as, the European campaign. On June 19th, 1947, he joined the newly separated United Stated Air Force and went on to serve until October 31st, 1965, where he retired at the rank of Master Sergeant. His total active service was twenty years, two months and four day. He was presented with many awards and decorations during his service and was described by his command as displaying “exemplary leadership, technical competence, initiative, and devotion to duty”. John then resided in Sunnyvale, California and worked for Microwave Systems, Inc. He met and married his wife, Nora, on March 17, 1969. They then moved to Salem, Oregon, and then to Stayton, Oregon. John and Nora were together until Nora’s passing in January of 1991. John met Betty Boulanger several years later and they were married April 14, 1997. John and Betty would do a lot of traveling, often taking advantage of his military space A benefits to travel to Hawaii multiple times as well as many destinations overseas. John held the position of City Recorder/Judge in Stayton for several years. He then worked for the State of Oregon Employment Dept for many years until his retirement in 1988. John liked to work with his hands and was constantly involved in hobby projects. He loved to go rock hounding and would turn his finds into treasures. John also enjoyed woodworking, stained glass and building electronics. He and his grandson, Ryan, cast many lead soldiers and built many model planes together. He taught Ryan how to fish and they had many fishing adventures together. On September 21st, 2018 John passed away in Sublimity, Oregon. He is preceded in death by his wives Nora and Betty, as well as, his parents Jack and Irene. He is survived by his stepdaughters, Tamara (Lowell) Heenan, and Laurel (Ralph) Connell-Perin, Grandson, Ryan (Heidi) Toepfer, and Great-Grandson,Tristan Toepfer, and many other grandchildren. He is also survived by his close buddies, Paul Moran, Dennis Wimberly, and Ray who stuck by John until his passing. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, September 27th, 2018 at 2 PM at Weddle Funeral Service in Stayton, Oregon where he will also be honored for his military service. John will be privately placed at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon following the service.