Judith "Kotthaus" Schroeder

Judith K. Schroeder

Mrs. Judith Schroeder (Kotthaus) passed away unexpectedly on January 7th, 2026 at the age of 88. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, Judy lived a life marked by kindness, resilience, and unwavering love for her family.

Judy was born on December 31st, 1937 in Baraboo, Wisconsin to Otto and Cleo Kotthaus. She graduated from Baraboo High School in 1955. During her high school years, she was involved in ballet and band, and was a proud member of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. She then attended the University of Wisconsin.

Judy met the love of her life, Norman "Buzz" Schroeder when they were in elementary school. They started dating after Buzz graduated from high school. The two married on February 3rd, 1957 at the Methodist Church in Baraboo, Wisconsin. The lovebirds would have been married for 69 glorious years in February.

After seeing Lake Michigan, Buzz and Judy found their forever home in Manitowoc in 1964. Buzz joined the practice at Park Medical Center, where he served countless patients over the years and helped deliver more than 3,000 babies. Behind the scenes, Judy was the steady foundation of their family-maintaining their home, raising their children, and making sure everyone was well-fed, well-dressed, and well-supported. She embraced her roles as wife and mother with devotion, always placing her family at the very heart of her life.

She spent much of her life caring deeply for her family, serving her community, and pursuing her many passions. A devoted volunteer, she generously gave her time to the Service League of Manitowoc County and the Medical Auxiliary, actively helping in many fundraising activities for Holy Family Memorial. She also found joy in sharing friendship and laughter through her Gourmet Club and Bridge Club.

She was known for her extraordinary memory, storytelling, and an eye for detail that missed nothing. You always wanted Judy on your trivial pursuit team. This sharp mind was paired with a quick wit and a sense of humor that could be delightfully spicy. Life was never dull in her presence.

Judy was also known for her sweet tooth, as her life mantra was "eat dessert first." There was always something sugary nearby when you visited – chocolates, caramels, or ice cream. Sharing sweets and cooking for others were her ways of sharing love, and those small moments around her table became cherished memories for everyone who walked through her door.

She was always so proud of her children and grandchildren and loved being a great grandmother. She was deeply appreciative of the skilled and compassionate care provided by her children throughout her aging years. She was also an animal lover and was lucky enough to spend most of her life with one or more four legged friends by her side. Her last dog Sophie passed just a week prior to her passing, proving her incredible bond with all of her animals.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law: Dr. Todd and Dawn Schroeder, her daughter Kristin Schroeder, her adored grandchildren: Tyler and Kendra Schroeder, Dr. Callie Schroeder and Mitchell White, Nicholas and Hailey Schroeder, and Casper Lee Gray, and her five great grandsons: Maverick, Maiko, Caden, Hayes, and Callahan. She is also survived by a brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Jim and Jan Schroeder. Judy was preceded in death by her beloved husband Norman "Buzz" Schroeder, her parents: Otto and Cleo Kotthaus, her father-in-law and mother-in-law: Carl (Willis) and Marvelene Schroeder, her siblings in-law: Janet and Jim Edwards and Herb and Marilyn LeMoine.

Although we mourn her death and will miss her every day, we are blessed by each and every moment we had with her and are at peace with the idea of her beautiful reunification with the love of her life and her beloved puppies.

Cremation has occurred at Jens Family Funeral Services & Crematory, Manitowoc. The family will greet relatives and friends Saturday, January 24th, 2026 from 9:00am until 11:00am, with the service beginning at 11am, at the Lakeshore Life Celebration Center, 3613 Waldo Boulevard, Manitowoc. Officiating at the service will be Pastor Jeremy Vance.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Jens Family Funeral Home of Manitowoc, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Salvation Army, Lakeshore Humane Society, and the HFM Cancer Care Center.

Visitation Details

Saturday, January 24th, 9-11am, Lakeshore Life Celebration Center, 3613 Waldo Blvd, Manitowoc

Service Information

Saturday, January 24th, 11am, Lakeshore Life Celebration Center, 3613 Waldo Blvd, Manitowoc

There will be an on-site celebratory lunch to follow.