Leonard R. Schroeder

Leonard R. Schroeder Leonard R. Schroeder, 90, passed away March 9, 2009 with three of his daughters by his side. Leonard was born to Mabel Anderson and Louis Schroeder in Chicago, Ill. July 22, 1918. The family moved to Cicero, but continued to vacation every summer in Green Lake, Wis. He had many fond memories of that time in his life with his brother Lou and sisters Lucille and Ethel. Ethel, 93, still lives independently in her home in Lombard. He was a good providing brother. His mother always said, "My Leonard could do no wrong." He married Antoinette McCarthy, a soda fountain chick who made the best banana split he'd ever had. That prompted the first date. They were married and had four girls; Lynnette, Donna, Maureen, and Kimberly. His family always came first. Leonard served in the Navy in Pearl Harbor, was very proud of being in the SeaBees and always wanted to retire in Hawaii. Antoinette's brother Dennis McCarthy was stationed periodically in Pearl Harbor at the same time. They became best buddies and got into a lot of shenanigans together. Leonard took over his father's business after working on the assembly line at Anchor Products Inc, which produced the very first stainless steel, disposable, surgical needle. The needle was displayed at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. With his wife Barbara Franks, they had three children, Sarah, Lenny, and Daniel. He loved them very much. Barbara passed away way too early 16 years ago. Leonard retired in New Mexico, the land of enchantment, he'd always say. But, he couldn't understand why they called it New Mexico, "It isn't new and it's not Mexico." Dad had a dry and witty sense of humor. Dad often mentioned his unforgettable hunting safari in the '60s to Africa together with his father and brother. Returning with several animal mounts, dad even had a house built to accommodate the kudu with the long spiraling horns. Dad was mechanically inclined, a great handyman and could fix anything. One of his hobbies in later years was to build things out of empty beer cans. He made tables, doll houses, a Christmas tree, and even a casket out of the cans. He was a devoted father, uncle, brother, and friend. He was a party animal. He even went river rafting down the Boise River at the age of 80. He was always coming with quips, quotes and poems that made us reflect and laugh. He is survived by his sister Ethel Cox, daughters Lynnette Bostwick, Donna Bachmann, Kimberly Schroeder, Maureen Engh, Sarah Schroeder, and sons Lenny, and Daniel Schroeder and nine grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Our deepest thanks for devoted and loving care to St. Luke's Hospice and Willow Park assisted living. Our hearts are touched by your wonderful staff. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, March 18, 2009 Concordia Cemetery, 7900 W. Madison St. Forest Park, Ill. at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations appreciated to St. Luke's Hospice, 190 E. Bannock St. Boise, ID 83712.