Gwendolyn J. Schroeder

Gwendolyn Jean Schroeder passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 1st. She was blessed to be in her home with her children by her side. She had just celebrated her 90th birthday. As she looked to heaven, Gwen spoke her final words, "It's time to go," and passed to the other side.

Gwen was born October 4th,1932 in Muscatine, Iowa to Paul and Goldie Slack. She was the oldest of five children, two of whom preceded her in death. She grew up in the idyllic setting of the small town of Muscatine, Iowa, where she was surrounded by the endless love of countless aunts, uncles and extended relatives.

At an early age she learned to love the Lord, and she was a faithful Christian her entire life. She displayed this by her unselfish desires to serve others. This was evident In her teenage years as she helped raise her brothers and sisters. As a young woman, Gwen worked at Heinz Ketchup Factory as a receptionist. She later graduated from Muscatine High School in 1950.

Gwen married the late Orren "Tony" Schroeder in 1952, and six children were born into this union. Her husband was in the United States Army, and this career took them to places all over the world, such as France, Germany, and several US States. Gwen had an adventurous spirit and loved traveling and living in new places. They later settled in Aurora, Colorado.

Gwen loved baking. Her specialty was making cakes and decorating them for weddings and other special occasions. She owned a bakery for a few years, but, ever the giver of service, she was far too generous to her customers. She enjoyed it immensely for a season.

Gwen was a baby whisperer and would take every opportunity to hold and love the little ones. A friend to all, there was never a stranger in our mom's life. She would meet someone for the first time, and you would have thought they were best friends or family. She even sponsored a Vietnamese refugee family of nine to live with her and her six kids for a time.

Proceeding Gwen in death was her husband, Orren "Tony" Schroeder. She is survived by her six children; Doug (Debbie), Mark (Cheryl), Scott (Peggy), Tammy, Dan (Shelley), and David. She was honored to have 14 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved tremendously. Gwen was a devoted disciple of Christ; a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; and a true friend to everyone she encountered in her life. She made an indelible mark in the world for which we all benefit. Memorial services will be forthcoming at a later date.