Gladys M. Schroeder

1927 - 2017

Schroeder, Gladys M.

Gladys M. Schroeder, age 89 of Appleton, formerly of Shawano, passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2017 in Appleton.

Gladys was born on December 21, 1927 in Hortonville, a daughter of the late Edwin and Irene (Radtke) Steinberg. Her family lived on a farm just outside of Hortonville. After graduating from Hortonville High School (she still remembered the school song!) Gladys worked at Aid Association for Lutherans, and later at Outagamie County Courthouse in Appleton.

She met her husband, Jim Schroeder, in 1949. They were set up on a blind date by mutual friends, and were married in Hortonville on May 5, 1951. Jim preceded her in death on November 14, 2016. Their first child, Kathleen, was born in 1952, and shortly thereafter the family moved to Combined Locks. The couple's second child, Terry, was born in 1957. Gladys worked at the Post Office part time with her husband while the children were still young. This was easy for Gladys as the Post Office was a 10x10 room in the front of their house.

When she wasn't working in the Post Office, Gladys was an Avon Lady, Girl Scout Brownie Leader, and Cub Scout Den Mother. She was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Kaukauna where she was active as a Sunday School/Vacation Bible School teacher and also served with the Ladies Aid and the Lutheran Women Missionary League. Following Jim's retirement the couple moved to Legend Lake. At that time Gladys became active in the VFW and the American Legion in Shawano, and was a life member of both organizations.

Gladys was a member of St. Jacobi Lutheran Church, where she was active with the Ladies Aid. In 2000 the couple moved to Shawano from Legend Lake. It was during that time that Gladys became known as "The Flag Lady." It wasn't unusual for her to stop at a business and/or home that was hanging or flying the US flag incorrectly, and explain to them how to correct "the error of their ways." She always carried flag etiquette books in her purse to give to people! Gladys was also a clown named "Patches." She and her fellow clowns visited schools working with the D.A.R.E. Program, encouraging children to stay away from drugs.

Gladys is survived by her children, Kathleen Smith of Muskegon, MI, and her son, Terry (Cathy) Schroeder of Neenah; two grandchildren, Aaron and Nathan Smith; her sister, Lucille Mueller of Appleton; her sister-in-law, Phyllis Manning of Menasha, and her brother-in-law, Clarence "Dunk" Schroeder of Waukesha.

Funeral services for Gladys M. Schroeder will be held on Friday, June 23, 2017 at 11:00 AM at St. Jakobi Lutheran Church, Town of Richmond, Wisconsin. Pastor Travis Kleinschmidt will officiate. Interment will take place in the Parish Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Friday from 10:00 AM until the hour of service.

Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.