Gayle Marie Schroeder

Gayle Marie (Smith) Schroeder died peacefully with her husband, Robert Schroeder, by her side on November 3, 2025, after recently celebrating their 61 years of marriage.

Gayle was born a southern peach on August 2nd, 1941. Gayle was raised on the dusty clay roads of Bartow, Georgia. The daughter to Eugene and Ruth Smith, she grew up in a close-knit family, the youngest of six siblings, in a house filled with love. Gayle excelled in school, a trait that would carry on throughout her life. But don't let the academics fool you, Gayle had a wild side. At 16, she and her friends felt they needed to go swimming at Lewis Lake, near her family home, to escape the oppressive Southern heat. After getting permission to use her Daddy's car, they found that the bridge leading to the lake had been washed out. Not to be deterred from the sun and water, Gayle revved the engine, and jumped the chasm. She didn't make it and Daddy was not happy. However, her loving and wild spirit, attracted a fine young soldier from Fort Gordan, Robert Paul Schroeder. A short time later they were married, in a one room church, surrounded by those they loved. This union brought our Georgia Peach, north, to the Manitowoc Lakeshore, where she was cursed with no daughters, but two adventurous sons. Gayle always put her family first, no matter the cost to her. From frequent visits to emergency rooms, to the refereeing of fights under her own roof, and the long hours raising her beloved children, she was there without question always nearby. She eventually found time to continue her own education and pursue her dreams, stealing time to study whenever she could. Gayle would sit at the end of the Fire Lane, in darkness, studying her texts by flashlight, while her babes sought trophy bucks in the woods of Dunbar, WI. This drive eventually led to her receiving her Masters Degree, which she and her family were so proud of. As her boys grew older, Gayle took on more responsibility, returning to the work force where she worked in the Finance Office at Silver Lake College until her retirement. In conjunction, she also ran Gayle's Tax Service out of the family home and was a partner to Bob, in the family business, Manitowoc Woodworking Company.

As if this was not enough, Gayle was extremely religious and sound in her beliefs. She assisted in the growth of Faith Free Church, in Manitowoc, as it grew from a home that accommodated a few, to a worship center that welcomed all. Gayle a stanch conservative, was also a founding member of the Manitowoc County Tea Party. Always willing to debate politics, but in a most loving and respectful manner. She believed in her heart, she could wear them down.

In her later years, she became a grandma, and eventually a great grandma, filling her cup to overflowing. She will be remembered as a sister, a wild child, smart as a whip, a referee, a nurse, a professional mediator, an accountant, a business woman, an independent strong, loving, wife, mother, and grandmother. May she rest in peace knowing she was loved beyond this world and hearts here on earth long to see her again.

She was preceded in death by her mother and daddy, Ruth & Eugene Smith, her brothers, Josey Smith, Lemar Smith and Verlin Smith. Sisters, Emily Smith and Ann Arrington, all of Bartow GA. As well as a grandson Colton Schroeder. She is remembered with love by her sons, Paul Schroeder (Kathy Schroeder) Two Rivers, Mark Schroeder (Miranda Check) Manitowoc, her sister Kay Meeks (Augusta, GA), her grandchildren Brooke Dalton (Ryan Dalton) Two Rivers, Jared Schroeder (Green Bay), Haelee Tlachac (Logan Tlachac) Two Rivers, Tyler Bauer (Kelly Bauer), her great-grandchildren Beverly Dalton and Hunter Tlachac, and extended family Heather Schroeder (Jake Haag) Mishicot.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 North Water Street, Manitowoc. Officiating at the service will be the Rev. Brian Schley with burial to take place at Evergreen Cemetery following the service. A luncheon for family and friends will then be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. The family will greet relatives and friends at Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

The family extends a special thank you to the staff at Shady Lane for their compassionate care of Gayle.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the Schroeder family with funeral arrangements.