Kenneth R. "Ken" Schroeder

Kenneth R. "Ken" Schroeder, 81, died at home in Asbury on January 12, 2026.

Born on May 5, 1944, Ken grew up as one of eight children on a dairy farm in Blue Grass, Iowa. He successfully showed Brown Swiss cows, was an officer of FFA, lettered in high school football, and was a member of the Homecoming Court alongside his high school sweetheart and future wife, Kay (Baker) Schroeder, whom he married on May 29, 1966.

Ken and Kay attended Iowa State University together, where Ken earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Agricultural Engineering. Ken's father had promised his mother that all of their children would attend college, and at one point Ken and four of his siblings were enrolled at Iowa State simultaneously. While there, Ken was part of the Wonder Wagon "Works" team in the Agricultural Machinery Design course, which designed and built a self-loading manure spreader. His photo was even featured in the newspaper as he inspected the idler sprocket for the elevating conveyor.

Ken carried his love of agriculture into adulthood, working proudly as an engineer for John Deere for 33 years while also owning and operating a farm in rural Dubuque County, where he and Kay raised their two children. His career with John Deere took him coast to coast in the United States and abroad to Canada, Mexico, and Japan.

Ken was a season pass holder at both Sundown Ski Area and The Meadows Golf Course and took annual winter trips to ski in Colorado, pursuits he enjoyed until just a few years ago. He was passionate about his cars, trucks, and tractors and could fix just about anything. Even in his final days, he talked about oiling machinery. Ken was detail-oriented and never hesitant to tell you if you were doing something wrong, but if you watched, listened, and learned, you came away better for it.

In retirement, Ken and Kay traveled extensively. Whether it was Oceania cruises around the world or vacations to the mountains and beaches with dear Deere friends, a memorable trip to Italy with Kay's brother Paul (navigating ever-narrowing roads in the tiniest car), travel brought them great joy.

Survivors include his wife, Kay of Dubuque; two children, Paul (Linda) Schroeder of Dubuque and Janelle (Michael Bland) Schroeder of Indian Shores, Florida; two grandchildren, Holly (Logan) Mihm and Mason Schroeder; six siblings, Larry (Jackie) Schroeder of Muscatine, Iowa; Cynthia (Curt) Wheeler of Rossmoor, California; Janice O'Neel of Ankeny, Iowa; Keith Schroeder of Blue Grass, Iowa; Bill (Brenda) Schroeder of Rock Island, Illinois; and Lynn (Mary) Schroeder of Ames, Iowa; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by one sister, Carol Jean Mitten.

A Gathering of Family and Friends for Ken will be held from 9 AM until Noon on February 7, 2026, at The Meadows Golf Club.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society.

Ken's family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Hospice of Dubuque for their compassionate care and support.