Obituary for Anna Mae Schroeder

Beloved mother of Barbara Elsen and Joe Schroeder of Bangor and Dan Schroeder of Arizona. She was born on a farm in Middle Ridge, May 16, 1925, to Joe and Eleanora (Cavadini) Schmitz. Anna Mae graduated from Bangor High School in May of 1943 and in June, she married Fredrick Schroeder at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bangor. Together they farmed side by side until they retired in 1999. In addition to farming, Anna Mae drove a school bus for many years.

Anna was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bangor, where she regularly attended meetings and generously volunteered her time, often cooking meals and helping with various church events. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially playing cards and bingo with friends, solving puzzles, tending to her garden, canning the fruits of her labor to share with loved ones, and playing cards until her passing. Anna Mae, together with Fred, shared a love of exploring the area that took them on many camping and fishing trips. They enjoyed spending time in the company of friends at lively card parties. Fred preceded Anna Mae in death in December of 2000. Above all, she cherished spending time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, and took great joy in attending their many activities and milestones.

Survivors include her children, Barb (Pete) Elsen, Joe (Earlene) Schroeder, and Dan (Dorman) Schroeder; grandchildren, Heather Reed, Ryan Schroeder, Josh (Tina) Schroeder, Darcy (Douglas) Zinke, Annette (Dennis) Niedfeldt, Stacy (Jason) Miller, and Sandra (Roy) Loken; great-grandchildren, Derek (Jade), Ashley (Brenden), Lucas, William, Ryan Nicholas, Brody, Hunter, Nolan, Carey (Ryan), Nicole (Tyler), Eli (Maddy), Jaden; great-great-grandchildren, Shilo, Fletcher, Penelope, Grayson, Huxley, and Briggs; and nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Martin “Marty” Elsen; sister, Loretta (William) Clausen; and brother, Emil (Veronica) Schmitz.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at St. Teresa of Kolkata Parish in West Salem. A Rosary will be recited at 8:30 a.m., with a visitation will follow from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass, Saturday, at the church. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Bangor. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.