Eugene R. Schroeder, “Gene”, 82, of Augusta, died Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016 at the Augusta Area Nursing Home.
Eugene Roger Schroeder, son of Robert and Verna (Gonitzke) Schroeder was born May 26, 1934 on the Gonitzke family farm in Foster, WI. He was baptized at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Foster and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Augusta. Gene was raised in the city of Augusta, where he attended school and graduated from Augusta High School in 1952. Following graduation he enlisted in theUnited States Army, serving during the Korean and Cold War era. Gene was united in marriage to Carlene McDonald in 1957 in Altoona. The couple lived and raised their 5children in Altoona. He later married Karen Geissler on Aug. 27, 1983 at Grace Lutheran Church in Augusta. Since his marriage to Karen he had lived back in Augusta, where their son Josh was born. Due to ill health he entered the Fall Creek Nursing in 2013, and since Oct. of 2014 he had been a resident of the Augusta NursingHome. Gene began his working career with Dolly Madison in Eau Claire. He was with the company for 10 years, working as a supervisor and also as the union steward. He thanmade a career change and became an Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor with Eau Claire County Guidance Center and stayed with them when it became Omne Clinic. After his retirement he continued to work part time with the clinic, fully retiring at the age of 72. In addition to his guidance position, he also served as the Judge for the city of Augusta’s Municipal Court for 18 years. Gene was a true “Jack of all trades.” He tackled carpentry, plumbing, electrical work and especially loved landscaping. He enrolled in landscaping courses, learning how tobuild ponds, arrange plantings and rock decorating. He also had an extreme fondness for mother nature.
From early childhood he enjoyed all sorts of pets; not all of which were cuddly. Over the years he had also raised and released numerous small game birds. Spending time outdoors was a very important part of his life; whether it was fishing, hunting or camping nearly every summer weekend with his family. He also
enjoyed watching horror films and following the Wisconsin Badger, Brewers and Packers. Not only did he have a tremendous love for his family, but also for his Lord. He was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Augusta, where he had served many years as elder and president of the congregation. He also attended as many Bible studies as possible, read many inspirational books, taught Sunday school and had the wonderful experience of working with 2 missionary trips to Alaska.
Gene will be dearly missed by Karen, his wife of 33 years; 5 sons, Mike (Kelly) Schroeder of Ham Lake, MN, Rick Schroeder of Fall Creek, Mark (Chris) Schroeder of Blaine, MN, Greg Schroeder and Josh Schroeder (Michelle Gibson) all of Eau Claire; daughter, Carla (Bob) Peterson of Altoona; step daughter, Deborah Becker of Eau Claire; sister, Marsha (Chip) Bechtel of Augusta; 11 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Gene was preceded in death by his father in 2002, his mother in 2006, granddaughter Teresa Schroeder in 1998; step-son, Mark Berenz in 2000; and sister, Nathlie Kuehn in 2015.
A visitation will be held Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016 from noon to 4 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Augusta, with services starting at 4: 00 p.m. at the church. Burial will be at a later date in the West Lawn Cemetery in Augusta.