Wilfred Schroeder

OTTAWA -- Wilfred A. "Bill" Schroeder, age 86, was called to his Heavenly Home at 10:50 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Meadows of Ottawa with his loving wife by his side.

Bill was born July 26, 1939, in Glandorf, OH, to the late Wilfred C. "Bill" and Laura (Stoepfel) Schroeder. On June 11, 1966, he married the love of his life, Arlene Marie (Ellerbrock) Schroeder.

Bill was a 1957 graduate of Glandorf High School and was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving in the 3rd Armored Division Spearhead. Bill retired from the Ford Motor Company - Lima Engine Plant after 40 years of service and was a dedicated member of St. Gerard Catholic Church. He was also a longtime member of the Lima Eagles Aerie #370, the Columbus Grove American Legion Post #516, and the Cloverdale Gun Club. Bill was an avid fisherman and enjoyed fishing trips to Canada with his brothers, son, and nephews for over 30 years. He was a loyal fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes and was extremely proud that his children were Ohio State graduates. Most of all, Bill loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his wife and children, as well as attending his grandchildren's school and sporting events.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Arlene Marie Schroeder of Lima; three children, Lisa Schroeder of Dublin, Melissa "Missy" (Chad) Metcalf of Lima, and Chad (Stacy) Schroeder of Newark; grandchildren, Garrett (Alena Zelenkova) Metcalf, Kennedy (Ryan) Tabler, Noah Schroeder, and Charlotte "Charley" Schroeder, brothers, Carl (Irma) Schroeder, Jerry (Alice) Schroeder, Joseph (Judy) Schroeder, and Randy (Linda) Schroeder; sisters and brothers-in-law, Ruth Schroeder, Tom Collins, Luann Schroeder, Linda Ellerbrock, Robert Kissell, Darlene Schroeder, James (Bonnie Debold ) Ellerbrock, Marilyn (Tom) Stechschulte, Dennis (Pat ) Ellerbrock, Kevin (Cheryl ) Ellerbrock, Cheri (Tony) Kuhlman, and Tim Ellerbrock; and numerous close friends, and neighbors.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by siblings, Jeanette Newnam, Eugene Schroeder, Edna German, Ann Collins, and Dennis Schroeder, in-laws, Sylvester and Marie Ellerbrock; and sisters and brothers-in-law, Ronald Ellerbrock, Shirley Kissell, Kenneth Schroeder, Marvin Ellerbrock, and Aggie Ellerbrock.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at St. Gerard Catholic Church, 240 W. Robb Ave, Lima, OH 45801. Father John McLoughlin will officiate. Entombment will take place in Gethsemani Cemetery with Military Honors to follow.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, December 1, 2025, at Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Shawnee Chapel. A Parish Wake Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday. Visitation will be held again from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, before the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.