Steven Schroeder

Steven Schroeder, 75, of Collinsville, Oklahoma passed away Friday, November 10, 2023, at St John Medical Center, Tulsa Oklahoma.

He was born on March 10, 1948, in Decatur, Indiana to the late Paul “Poodle” and Willadine F. Schroeder Melcher.  Steven was united in marriage to Beverly Jones on April 19, 1969.  They share two children, Todd and Erin.  Steven was later united in marriage to Sharon L. Nelson on July 5, 1989.  (Steve’s step-son is Lee Seward).

Steven was drafted by the Army on March 5, 1968.  He was honorably discharged on February 18, 1970.  He continued to serve his country in the Army Reserves for a number of years.  He was very proud to be a veteran.

Steven was a gifted and active member of a Scrollsaw group in Escondido, California.  He showed his thoughtfulness to others by gifting his creations from the scroll saw.  He worked many craft shows and state fairs.  He also looked forward to his weekly meeting with the Lutheran Men’s Bible Study Group of Escondido, California.  They were a great source of encouragement.  While living in Escondido, California, he attended Grace Lutheran.

Steven was a proud graduate of Ball State University. He received a Bachelor of Science as an undergraduate degree in 1974.  He also received a Master of Arts degree in Education in 1978.  During his time as an educator in Indiana and Illinois, he served as both teacher and administrator.  He later moved to California where he served as an elementary teacher and science teacher. He loved teaching his students about all things nature, as his classroom was the mountain setting for several years. He became a substitute teacher in his later years.  A great source of joy was driving a tractor at the local pumpkin patch and sharing his knowledge of the farm and science with children.

Steven was adored by Doc, his cocker spaniel.  Anyone who met Steve instantly gained a friend.  He will always be cherished as a beloved father, grandfather, brother to many, and a friend to everyone he met.

Steven is survived on, Todd (Jamie) Schroeder of Collinsville, Oklahoma; daughter, Erin (Todd) Moran of Evans, Georgia; step-son, Lee (D’Etta) Seward of San Diego, California; sister, Debra (David) Grodrian of Columbia City, Indiana; sister, Candace Neuenschwander of Fort Wayne, Indiana; brother, Scott (Betty) Schroeder of Fort Wayne, Indiana; brother, Dennis Schroeder of Chicago, Illinois; brother, Kevin (Becky) Schroeder of Fort Wayne, Indiana; sister, Cynthia (Mitchell) McKinney of Decatur, Indiana; four grandchildren, Evan Schroeder of Indianapolis, Indiana, Hunter Kidwell  of Charleston, Illinois, Mason (Mary) Schroeder of Kansas City, Missouri, Maxwell Schroeder of Warrenville, Illinois; and great-granddaughter, Jade (Evan).

He was preceded in death by wife, Sharon L Schroeder and a brother-in-law, Mike Neuenschwander.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 20, 2023, at St. John Lutheran Church, Bingen with Pastor Peter Brock officiating. Burial will follow at St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Bingen. Military graveside services will be conducted by the American Legion Post #43 Color Guard.

Friends and family will be received from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.  on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.

Arrangements by Zwick and Jahn Funeral Homes of Decatur, Indiana