Ava M. Schroeder

1921 - 2014

Ava M. Schroeder Born: Aug. 29, 1921; in Havelock, Neb. Died: March 13, 2014; in Plainfield Ava Merrill (Larson) Schroeder, age 92 of Plainfield, IL at rest peacefully Thursday, March 13, 2014 at her home with her family at her side. Ava was born August 29, 1921, to Elmer T. Larson and Cynthia Alice McCuen Larson in Havelock, Nebraska. The family moved to Plano, Illinois in 1926. Ava graduated from Plano High School in 1939, receiving a four-year scholarship to Northern Illinois State Teachers College. Ava married George William Schroeder October 16, 1943. Ava is survived by five daughters and one son: Karen Louise (Daniel) Bodner of Plainfield, Linda Kay Schroeder of Plainfield, Diann Merrill Schroeder of Joliet, Mary Lynn (Skip) McFadden of Tempe, Arizona, Rebecca (Andy Sgrignoli) Schroeder of Spring Green, Wisconsin, and George (Kristine) Schroeder Jr of St. Germain, Wisconsin. Ava has nine grandchildren: Catherine (Pete) Plauck, Bernadette (Jeff) Mueller, Krysta (Brian) Ricker, Timothy Bodner, Dana (Megan) Browning, Laura (Mark) Hatfield, Ryan (Ashley) McFadden, Erin (Christina) Isenring, and Amber (Stephen) Gavin. Two step-grandchildren: Nick and Joseph Sgrignoli. Twelve great-grandchildren: Emily and Kristin Plauck, Marissa, Kaitlin and Jacob Mueller, Nathan Ricker, Nolan Browning, Sunny and Atticus McFadden, Taylor Isenring, Hailey and Tristan Gavin and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband George; her parents Elmer and Alice Larson, her sister Esther (Hugh) Nix, her half-sister Ardelle McCuen, her son-in-law Gordon Browning and a special nephew Keith Schroeder. Ava was active in the Plainfield community. She served many years as the president of the PTA. She traveled extensively as a chaperone for Plainfield Bands and Choirs and was a member of Plainfield Band Boosters; and served on the Plainfield YMCA board. She and George were charter members of Peace Lutheran Church where she was recognized for her special service in music ministry for 46 years. Ava loved to sing and play piano and organ. She also played violin. One of her special gifts to all her children is the love of music and cooking. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Peace Lutheran Church or Joliet Area Community Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60435 would be appreciated. Friends may call Tuesday, March 18, 2014, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Overman-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 15219 S. Joliet Road, (Corner of Rts. 59 & East 30) Plainfield, IL. Additional visitation Wednesday, March 19, 2014 ,from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at Peace Lutheran Church 24024 W. Main Street, Plainfield, IL, with funeral services to follow at 11:00 AM with Pastor Galen Sollie officiating. Private family interment at Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Joliet, IL.