Clarence F. Schroeder, Sr.

With a life that spanned nearly a century, Clarence Schroeder, Sr. lived life to the fullest each day while deeply loving those who were in his path. He was a hardworking man of character whose moral convictions and Catholic faith guided the steps he took along his entire lifes journey. For more than 55 years Clarence spent his days with the love of his life with whom he shared the family that grew to include not only seven children but also the grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren who were his greatest source of pride and joy. He will be dearly missed while his memory is forever cherished by those he leaves behind. Life in America during the early 1900s was very different from the life we know in America today. Unsafe working conditions and growing monopolies led to a middle class that was becoming increasingly more dissatisfied. Children were more often found in the workplace than they were in the classroom, and of those who did receive a formal education less than 10 percent went on to graduate. Amidst this transformational time was the year 1916 that boasted of great joy for a young couple from Antigo, Wisconsin, as they welcomed a healthy baby boy into their hearts and home on May 18, 1916. Clarence F. was one of four children born to his parents, Joseph and Effa Mary (Brooker) Schroeder, and he was raised in the family home in Munising, located in Michigans Upper Peninsula, alongside his siblings, Joseph, Marcella, and Marshal. His father worked as a sawyer, one who sharpens saws, while his mother was a busy homemaker. In many ways Clarence experienced a typical boyhood for the youth of his generation. He loved being outdoors and busied himself with things like hunting small game and fishing as well as winter activities like sledding, skiing, and ice skating just to name a few. Clarence attended Sacred Heart Grade School and went on to Mather High School where he was a member of the schools baseball team. He went on to graduate from high school in 1935. Daily life was forever changed for Clarence when he met the woman of his dreams. Her name was Ruby Lillian Humphrey, and they met at the Club Majestic in VanMeer, Michigan, where Ruby and her sister, Pearl, frequently went dancing. From the moment they met there was an attraction between them that neither could deny, and a dating relationship ensued. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together the couple became husband and wife on March 26, 1938, deeply in love. Together Clarence and Ruby were blessed with seven children: Clarence, Jr. in 1938, Daniel in 1941, Virginia in 1944, Barbara in 1947, David in 1953, James in 1956, and Marcella 1959. As a father Clarence was faithful, steady, and strong - a constant presence in the lives of his children. He was dedicated to his family, and he was there for his wife and children in whatever way was needed. Throughout his life Clarence was accompanied by a strong work ethic. He made a career in the newspaper industry, beginning at the local newspaper, the Munising News where he worked as a linotype operator, or printer. America was transformed when WWII landed on our doorstep with the attack of our naval base in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Clarence, like so many others during this time, left his growing family to serve in active combat after being drafted into the Army on April 4, 1944. He was a platoon runner who also repaired wiring to surveillance equipment while under fire, serving in France and Germany. In recognition of his service, Clarence was awarded with two Bronze Stars for valor under fire. Although his heart longed to stay in Munising, Clarence couldnt turn down the opportunity to earn a much better wage in Muskegon with the Muskegon Chronicle. This caused him to relocate his family to Muskegon in 1953. Clarence retired from the newspaper in 1987 after 28 years of dedicated service. Although he was deeply devoted to his family and his work, Clarence enriched his life in other ways, too. He was a member of various organizations in his community including Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Muskegon, the Muskegon Moose Lodge #491, and Muskegon Heights Eagles Aerie #2106. With extended family members in Wisconsin, Clarence enjoyed taking vacations there, and he also loved being in Munising. He lived an active lifestyle for as long as he could as both bowling and golfing were activities he loved. In fact, Clarence was still golfing on a league at the age of 95! In his down time he liked reading westerns. When reflecting on the life of Clarence Schroeder, Sr., we are reminded that there is little value found in the things of this world, but that it is when we structure our lives around loving and serving others that we are richly blessed. He devoted his time and attention to being with his loved ones, making priceless memories along the way. Clarence was a man of integrity and honor who wholeheartedly applied himself to whatever task was at hand, never taking even one moment for granted. Life will never be the same without him here, but the lives of numerous others will be forever changed because of his touch. Clarences family includes his sons, Clarence (Judy) Schroeder Jr. of Coloma, David John (Char) Schroeder of Twin Lake, James Patrick Schroeder of Twin Lake; daughters, Virginia (Joseph) West of Norton Shores, Barbara Ann Schroeder of Norton Shores, Marcella (Steve) Anderson of KY; 17 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and daughter-in-law, Charlotte Schroeder of Twin Lake. Clarence was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby L.; son, Daniel; great-grandson, Scott Daniel; parents; brothers, Joseph and Marshall; and sister, Marcella. Services will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2013, 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church with Fr. Matthew Barnum officiating. Interment at Twin Lake Cemetery with veteran services under the auspices of the Muskegon County Council of Veterans. Visit with Clarences family and friends on Monday, 6-8 p.m. at the Clock Funeral Home-Muskegon and Tuesday, one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials can be made to Hospice of Michigan. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.