Walter P. Schroeder

Dr. Walter P. Schroeder, 94, died Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010, in San Luis Obispo. Born in July 1916 on the family farm near Charlotte, Mich., Walter grew up and did chores on a working farm during the Great Depression, where he acquired values of hard work, respect and assistance to others. This infused his life thereafter. After a few years having worked with the Farm Bureau, he enrolled at Michigan State University to teach vocational and adult education. He started a family with Leora and earned his Ph.D. In 1957, Walter and Leora moved to San Luis Obispo with their four children. He worked as head of the Education Department at Cal Poly and had completed his 25-year career when he retired in 1982. During retirement, he and Leora enjoyed many years of summer travel with the family and camped in tents - they later traveled in their RV. Their travels spanned all 50 states and included two trips to Alaska, one to the Arctic Circle, as well as trips to Germany and Greece. Walter and Leora were both extensively involved in all aspects of the Methodist Church. They remained in close contact with many friends and relatives over the years, visiting them frequently on their summer travels. Walter was a long-time supporter and fundraiser for the Boy Scouts and was honored by them with the Silver Beaver award. He was also actively involved in the Farm Bureau, Citizens for Adequate Energy, California Retired Teachers Association, Methodist Men and other activities. He was an accomplished woodworker and designed and built custom cabinets for the family kitchen, as well as having made numerous pieces of furniture for children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Walter was a remarkable man, always kind and caring and with great intellect, grace and wit. He was an inspiration to all of us and to everyone whose lives he touched. He was greatly loved by all and will be missed. Our family thanks you for your prayers and support. Walter is survived by his four children Nancy Eilerts (Bill Liggett) of Ridgway, Colo., Stan Schroeder (Susan) of San Diego, Calif., Susan Eberhard (Rainer) of Friday Harbor, Wash., and John Schroeder of Los Altos, Calif.; nine grandchildren and their spouses; 10 great-grandchildren; and a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Leora. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life for Walter at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2010, at the San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks in San Luis Obispo. If you wish to give a memorial gift in Walter''s memory, please consider a donation to the Walter and Leora Schroeder Scholarship Fund, c/o San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405, or a donation in Walter''s name to the charity of your choice.