William K. Schroder

William K. "Bill" Schroder, 80, died on Wednesday, June 4, 2003, at St. Peter's Hospital in Olympia. Bill was born on September 29, 1922 in Lapeer, Michigan to Lewis and Minnie (Hyde) Schroder.In World War II he served as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne. His tour of duty, 1941 to 1946, was in Europe, South Africa, and Okinawa.Bill married Esther Irene Sherman August 1, 1945 in Tacoma, Washington. They moved to Pontiac, Michigan in 1946, where he worked for the General Motors Company until they returned to the Pacific Northwest in 1952. Bill started his own business with a Flying "A" gas station in Lakewood, Washington. He operated the service station later as a Phillips 66 station, and then a Union 76 station, until his retirement in 1979.Bill was an active member of the Tacoma Elks Club for over 50 years. He enjoyed boating, playing cards, and woodworking, and always had a wonderful sense of humor.Bill is survived by his wife of 58 years, Esther; their four children, Ron Schroder, of Kirkland, Bill Schroder, of Olympia, Peggy Knies, of Mossyrock, and Larry Schroder, of Olympia; six grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Bob Schroder, of Michigan.Bill's life will be celebrated with a private family gathering. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the Tacoma Elks in support of their children's programs: Tacoma Elks Lodge No. 174, 1965 South Union Avenue, Tacoma, Wash., 98405. Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home, (253) 584-0252.