Ruth M. Schroeder

Ruth M. Schroeder, age 89, was called to her eternal home on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 surrounded by the love of her family.  Ruth was born in Appleton on March 12, 1934, daughter of the late Edward and Bertha (Sigl) Loewenhagen, Sr. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church in Appleton and remained a life-long member of the church until her passing.  She attended school in Appleton, and as a young woman working at Appleton Papers, became acquainted with a handsome paper machinist, Ken Schroeder, who would become the love of her life.   On December 29, 1958 the two were united in marriage and shared 48 wonderful years before Ken’s passing in 2007.  Together they raised three children. 

Ruth enjoyed talking care of her children and supported them in their school activities and sports.  She was a great mom.  Ruth’s proudest work accomplishment was being an expert candy dipper at Wilmar Chocolates in Appleton for over 17 years.   In May 1984, Ruth continued on with the new owners teaching the fine art of hand-dipping to the next generation of chocolatiers.  She retired in May 1997 and was gifted a unique watch engraved with an inscription of “It’s Time for Chocolate” from her Wilmar family!  It was so special to Ruth that she rarely took it off.  

Ruth and Ken enjoyed spending time and making memories at their mobile home on Rollingstone Lake for twelve years.  Ruth was an avid Packers and Brewers fan, a member of the church’s Ladies Aid and found joy in league bowling and playing Sheepshead with her family.  Ruth was known for her green thumb and grew the most beautiful flowers especially red geraniums.  She was hard-working, selfless, loving and fun and had a great sense of humor. Ruth never lost her quick wit and could say some funny one liners, quickly rattle off the books of the Bible (in order) or recite the alphabet backwards to prove her point.  Many will remember that Ruth like to dress fashionably and over the past two years was rarely seen without her purse on her arm or jewelry around her neck.  She also never missed an opportunity to share her beautiful smile.   Listening to music and dancing brought huge smiles as Ruth loved polka music and it was a tradition at her son’s cabin on Pelican Lake to listen to WDEZ’s 6 hour Polka Jamboree on Sundays.  Ruth’s favorite singer was Ireland’s Daniel O’Donnell and loved attending his Fox Cities concerts.   She could sing all of the words to her favorite songs right up to her final days. 

Ruth will be deeply missed by her three children: Rick Schroeder, Debbie Giles, and Ann (Bob) Sanders; three grand dogs: Sophie, Jax, and Sawyer; sisters-in-law: Arlene “Pat” Loewenhagen, Sophia Schroeder, and Patricia (Dennis) Obermeier; a brother-in-law Ronald Schroeder, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ken, a  son-in-law Wally Giles, siblings: Earl (Ilamae) Loewenhagen, Shirley (Joe) Vander Wielen, Edward Loewenhagen, Jr., Betty (Bob) Heegeman, Wilfred (Mary) Loewenhagen, and Dale (Joyce) Loewenhagen; and a brother-in-law Wayne Schroeder.

The Christian Funeral Service for Ruth will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, located at 302 N. Morrison Street in Appleton, with Rev. Justin Shrum officiating.  Ruth will be placed at rest with Ken at Highland Memorial Park.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday morning, at the church, from 9:00 AM until the time of the service.  A luncheon will follow in the lower level of the church.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff of Frontida Memory Care in Kimberly for their loving and compassionate care of their mom over the past two years.  They are also very grateful to the staff at St. Elizabeth Hospital who provided outstanding care to their mom in her final hours. 

We already miss you so much Mom and will always cherish our memories until we see you again in Heaven.  We will make “time for chocolate”!