From the Wichmann Funeral Home
Morton A. Schroeder, age 89, of Appleton, was born on June 1, 1921, in Bay City, Michigan, to the late Carl and Clara (Rehmus) Schroeder and became a child of God through the gift of Holy Baptism. He was called to heaven on May 5, 2011. Morton married Bettie M. Trettien on August 20, 1942, in New Ulm, Minnesota. He was privileged to serve the Lord in 49 years of ministry as a Lutheran educator, teaching at Madison Lutheran School (Madison, Wisconsin), St. Paul Lutheran School (New Ulm, Minnesota), St. Matthew Lutheran School (Winona, Minnesota), St. Croix Lutheran High School (West St. Paul, Minnesota), and Dr. Martin Luther College (New Ulm, Minnesota). Survivors include his beloved wife of 68 years, Bettie; his children, Susan (Thomas) Towner; Marc (Mary) Schroeder; Robin (Patricia) Schroeder; and David (Karen) Schroeder; twelve grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. He is further survived by his sister, Clara Kitzinger. Morton was preceded in death by his brothers, Erwin (Frances) Schroeder; Fredrick (Edith) Schroeder; Carl (Mary) Schroeder; his sisters Loretta (Joe) Mercer; Irmgard (Art) Wugazer; Charlotte (Elmer) Berger; daughter Sarah Fillner and grandsons Carl Schroeder and Jeffrey Schroeder. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 9, 2011, at MOUNT OLIVE EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, 930 East Florida Avenue, Appleton, with Rev. Joel Zank and Rev. Robert Raasch officiating. Friends may call at the Wichmann Funeral Home on Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and again directly at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Interment will be in Highland Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Martin Luther College, New Ulm, MN; Mount Olive Lutheran Church; or Fox Valley Lutheran High School.
From St. Croix Today, July 2011, p. 9
Professor Morton A. Schroeder. June 1, 1921 - May 5, 2011, was privileged to serve the Lord in 49 years of minatory as a Lutheran educator. He served at St. Croix Lutheran High School from 1958, when the school first started, until 1971.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Bettie, his children, Susan (Thomas) Towner; Marc (Mary) Schroeder; Robin (Patricia) Schroeder; and David (Karen) Schroeder; twelve grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; his sister Clara Kitzinger; and many relatives and friends.
Ronald Pape (SCL teacher from 1959-71) writes, "Morton was known to me chiefly as a principal, a teacher, a scholar, a public speaker, and a friend. Some of us remember and appreciated his meticulous insistence that all publications from the school's departments be well presented. Yes, he was a stickler for details. God used these talents and characteristics of Morton Schroeder to accomplish his own divine purposes."
Len Collyard (SCL Class of 1963) relates, "Principal Schroeder was a mentor to me and an excellent teacher. He helped me make the decision to go to Dr. Martin Luther College."
Marilyn (Knief) Benz, (first graduate of SCL in 1962) remembers, "Mr. Schroeder always said 'Mighty oaks from little acorns acorns grow.' That was what St. Croix was, the little acorn that Mr. Schroeder helped plant."
Carol (Endresen) Lemke (SCL Class of 1964) recalls, "Mr. Schroeder led us through the assassination crisis of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. After his unbelievable announcement, a special chapel was held. It was a turbulent era, but we were taught to lean on our Lord. About one-fifth of our class went into the teaching or preaching minatory, while more than on-half the guys went into the military and service in Vietnam."
Colleen (Wright) Linemann (SCL Class of 1964) writes, "Mr. Schroeder inspired me to go to DMLC in New Ulm. He wore many hats to get the school up and going, along with his wife, Bettie. He truly exhibited a servant's heart."