Russell Roger Schroeder, 77 of Brillion, passed into his Heavenly Home on November 29, 2014 at his home, as he wished with family at his side. Russell was born to Earl and Martha (Willis) Schroeder on February 24, 1937 in Menominee, Michigan. Russell grew up in Loomis, Wisconsin, graduated from Crivitz High School, class of 1955. He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1955-1958 and was honorably discharged. He married Corrine Schmidt in 1960 and together they raised their three children. In 1964 he joined the Milwaukee Fire Department and worked for 30 years, retiring as a captain in 1994. In 1995 he and his wife moved to the Brillion area, the best decision they ever made. Russell loved life itself, his family, his friends and the Lord. He filled his time with hunting and working on projects. Russell was a member of the Milwaukee Firefighters Local 215, Retired Fire and Police Association, the AmVets, American Legion, the Elks and Moose Lodges, the Rochea Hunting Club, Holy Family Parish, the Esto Men's Group of the parish. Russell was also a member of the Potter Community Association which gave him much joy among wonderful friends. Russell is survived by his wife of 54 years, Corrine (Schmidt) Schroeder; children, Nadine (Rick) Duncan, Anita Materi, and Dale (Wendy Walker) Schroeder; grandchildren, Matthew Materi, Amanda (John) Ninebuck, Jacob Materi, Ryan Materi, Nathan Schroeder, Joshua Schroeder, Katie Schroeder; great grandchildren, Taylor, Ariah, Rayleigh; sister and brother-in-law, Beverly and Guy Enockson; nieces, Naomi (Guy) Miller, Penny (Arvy) Rasmussen, Lauri (Ross) Hunkins; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Roger (Regina) Schmidt; niece, Leisha Schmidt; nephews, Roger Schmidt, Peter Schmidt; cousins, Fred and Nancy Refling, Marilyn Kamps, Jean Swick, Maryann Swick, Dick and Marge Swick, Jacci and Dave VandeHey, Judy and Jim Gavaert, Jill and Tom Haufe, Jack Schroeder, Sr. and many more family and friends. Russell was sadly preceded in death by his son-in-law, Alex Materi on May 14, 2014; his parents Earl and Martha Schroeder; in-laws, Walter and Alma Schmidt and cousins, Patricia and Adrian Vandeburgt, Earl Swick, Glen Swick, Roy Swick and John Kamps. Funeral Mass is at 12:00 p.m. (NOON) on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at Holy Family Catholic Parish in Brillion. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Timothy Brandt. Burial in the Holy Family Cemetery, Brillion. Friends may call at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Russ Schroeder's family would like to thank Dr. William Conkright (his buddy) for always going the extra mile to give us more time with Russ and the staff at Fox Valley Hematology and Oncology who became our second family the last four years of our journey. To Dr. Coles and Dr. Davies and staff at the Oncology Radiology Department at St. Elizabeth Hospital for their compassion. To Dr. Joe McCormick for the time he spent with us. To St. Elizabeth Hospital 4th floor staff for comfort care and spiritual support. And to our family and friends. We are forever grateful and will never forget you.
