Melvin Schroeder

1937 - 2025

Melvin Schroeder

March 27, 1937 - August 16, 2025

Melvin F. Schroeder, 88, of Silvis, passed away Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Grand Haven Retirement Community, Eldridge, Iowa.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, August 26th, 2025, at Rafferty Funeral Home, 2111-1st St A, Moline. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Greenview Memorial Gardens, East Moline. Memorials can be made to the Silvis Fire Department, Silvis Garden Club, or North Ridge Community Church.

Melvin was born March 27, 1937, in Rock Island, the son of Myron and Mildred (Nienaber) Schroeder. He married Mary Studeny on October 3, 1964, in Davenport. She preceded him in death on March 21, 2016.

Melvin graduated from the former Davenport High School in 1957. He never shied away from hard work. While in high school he worked third shift for a local manufacturing company to help provide for his family. After high school he moved to Chicago for employment and worked in the grocery industry for a few years before returning to the Quad Cities, gaining employment at McLaughlin Body Company. Holding one job at a time was never enough for Melvin, working concurrently at a local bowling alley where he met the love of his life, Mary. While raising their family, Melvin was a piece worker at John Deere Harvester for 33 years, retiring on October 1, 1999. He also was a volunteer firefighter for the City of Silvis for 20 years retiring as Assistant Chief. Melvin worked tirelessly to provide for his family, help friends and family with any project, and always put others before himself.

Melvin was a member of the East Moline McDonald's coffee club (first shift), the Silvis Garden Club and attended North Ridge Community Church, Eldridge, Iowa. He enjoyed serving others, woodworking, playing solitaire in his garage, spending time with his family (especially his grand-children and great-grandchildren), gardening and astronomy. He welcomed having a good cup of coffee or a Michelob Ultra with friends and family. He loved his road trips to Arizona to spend time with Laura and Kristin. Saturday night dinner outings with Linda were also something Melvin cherished.

Survivors include his children, Dr. Laura Schroeder (Kristin Zenk), Phoenix, Ariz. and Linda Andry, Eldridge, Iowa; grandchildren, Benjamin Andry, Minneapolis, Minn., Emily (Nick) Reeve, Blue Grass, Iowa, Bryce (Karlee) Andry, North Mankato, Minn., Bailey Andry, Tucson, Ariz., Clare Zenk, Phoenix, Ariz. and Lauren Zenk, Milwaukee, Wisc.; great-grandchildren, Margo and Bridget Reeve; sisters, Patricia Umland, Moline, Ill. and Carolyn (Roger) Grunder, Wilton, Iowa and brother-in-law, Thom Wilson, Bettendorf; as well as nieces and nephews and many close friends. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Darlene Schroeder, Sandra Watkins, Nancy Wilson and infant sister, Suzette; brother, R.T. Schroeder; brothers-in-law, George Watkins, Jack Schroeder, and Lester Umland.

The family would like to thank the many visitors Mel received while living at Grand Haven, Dr. Todd Wenck who guided his care, the ladies at Amicare Pharmacy, and the wonderful caregivers and staff at Grand Haven Retirement Community for the love and care shown to Melvin over the past several months, and especially in his final days. You are truly angels on earth.

Condolences may be left at RaffertyFunerals.com