Richard "Butch" Schroeder

Richard J. (Butch) Schroeder was born in Mishawaka, on February 15, 1937, to Louis J. and Lela (Merrill) Schroeder. He was the 5th of 6 children. Butch was a member of St. Monica’s Catholic Church for his entire life and has received all of his sacraments there. He was so proud to be a Mass Server, a Knight of the Altar as they were then called, and often reflected in later years of that experience of being so close to God. Butch was a proud Mishawaka Caveman from the Class of 1955 and there made many life-long friends. While still in high school, in 1953, he joined the Army Reserves and served for 8 years. In January 1956, he took a job at Bendix. Though the name changed to Allied-Signal, then Honeywell, he always gave his best efforts, and retired, 42 years later in August 1998, as a Supervisor. On May 14, 1960, he married his sweetheart, Marilou Speheger. Though they were very young, just 19 and 23 years old, the marriage lasted 66 years. During those fun, loving, crazy years, 4 wonderful children blessed their union: Steve (Schelley) Schroeder; Julie (Jon) Biek: Susan Calkusic; and Jane (Ron) Simons. Those 4 children continued the tradition by bringing 8 additional amazing grandchildren into the family: Scott Schroeder and Liane Schroeder Ciotola; Jessica Biek Christodoulides; Cole and Sarah Calkusic; James, Robert and Samantha Simons. Recently, 3 loving little great grandchildren (Joey Ciotola, Juliana and Johnny Christodoulides) have joined the clan. He was predeceased by his parents and all of his brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife, his children and grandchildren, his brother and sisters-in-law, LoraLee (Speheger) Lavis, Larry McCay and Linda (McCay) Howell along with many nieces and nephews. During retirement Butch and Marilou took many wonderful bus trips with Signal Travel exploring the beauty of the United States. He also enjoyed casino trips with our friend Lenny. He loved yard work and specially loved to paint. Most importantly he loved time spent with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and loved working at the Church Rummage Sale. For many years he was afflicted by Parkinson’s disease but through the help of Rock Steady Boxing, was able to keep it in check. As time passed, however, his condition deteriorated to the point that Hospice care was needed. Without their loving help we could not have managed. We especially want to thank our wonderful nurse, Annie, our caring Chaplain, Trevor, and Bree, whose personal care always brightened his day. When Butch was just 3 months old he was stricken with whooping cough, hospitalized and nearly died. An elderly nun prayed for him through that dark night and he lived for another almost 90 years. During that time so many have been blessed because of his presence. In lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to Center for Hospice Care, St. Monica’s Catholic Church or the Knights of Columbus. Viewing will be at Wells and Cruz Family Funeral Home, on Wed, May 13, 2026, from 3:00p to 7:00p, also for 1 hour before services at St. Monica’s Catholic Church which will be on Thurs, May 14, 2026, at 11:00am. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of his life, or extend a message of comfort to the family, please visit the Guestbook.