GWYNETH SCHROEDER

Gwyneth Kathryn (Thomas) Schroeder, age 92 of Neenah, died Friday, May 18, 2012. A devoted mother, grandmother, and wife of 62 years, she attended high school in Neenah and enjoyed living there with her husband, Lorren, for almost 80 years. She attended Lawrence College and Milwaukee State (with her sister Miriam), majoring in music. Gwyn married Lorren Schroeder in 1941 and accompanied him sailing on Lake Winnebago and during his Coast Guard Officer training and initial postings in New York, St Augustine, and San Diego before returning to Neenah when he left for the South Pacific Theater. They were lifetime soul mates, devoted to each other and rarely apart though frequent travelers with family and friends. Gwyn put her musical training to use leading the First Presbyterian Church Bell Choir and took them to the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers conference in Bloomington, Illinois. She was active in the First Presbyterian Church Womens Society, a circle leader, and Sunday School teacher. When she and Lorren moved to Calvary Bible Church, she was equally active and established a Bell Choir there as well. At Calvary, she and Lorren led bible study groups, she played in the orchestra, and both loved the annual retreat to Camp Forest Springs. They traveled with Elder Hostel, taking courses in Washington, DC, Virginia, and Texas and explored Hawaii, the Caribbean, South and Central America, and England with friends and relatives. When Lorren died, in 2003, she continued to embrace life, celebrating Christmas 2004 in London and Stratford, UK with her daughter. Gwyneth is survived by daughter Patricia Burke of Washington, DC; son John Schroeder, his wife Meg Ruoff, and granddaughter Zina Schroeder of Madison. Her sister, Miriam Hutchins, recently moved back from Bellingham, Washington to live with her and currently lives in Neenah. A memorial service for Gwyneth will be held Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at Calvary Bible Church in Neenah, Rev. Harry Shields officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 A.M. until the service. Interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.