Arnold Schroeder

Arnold E. Schroeder, 87, Athens, died Thursday June 28, 2012 at Northside Elder Estates, Stratford. He was born April 21, 1925, in the town of Bern, son of the late Emil and Helen (Klein) Schroeder. A lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens, Arnold was baptized there on May 17, 1925, confirmed May 28, 1939. On September 27, 1952, he married Selma "Sally" Luedtke at Trinity Lutheran Church, Wausau. She survives. Arnold attended country school in the Bern Township for seven years and graduated from Athens High School in 1943. During World War II, he served in the 103rd Weather Group in the Army Air Corps. During his working years, Arnold owned and operated his own trucking business and insurance agency for a number of years. He graduated from the first class of the State Patrol Academy in 1955 and had been involved with the US Census Bureau for three years. Arnold also worked for the US Postal Service for 33 years retiring as Athens Postmaster in 1987. Arnold was very involved in the Athens community. As a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, he served on various committees for over 30 years, he served Secretary-Treasurer of the Lutheran Cemetery Association. Arnold was a representative of the Lutheran Laymen's League. For 40 years. Arnold was active in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts for many years. In Boy Scouts, he served Scout Master for several years. As a life member of the American Legion Post No. 4, Athens, he served in various positions, including Commander for eight years. Arnold was also active in the Eighth District for the American Legion. In Athens, he served as Village Trustee for a number of terms. For over 30 years, he helped with placing American flags along the village streets for celebrations and also with placing flags on the graves of Veterans for Memorial Day. He served as president of the Athens Housing Authority for several years and was elected as secretary of the Marathon County Housing Association. In 1990, he was chairman for the Athens Centennial Celebration. For his service to the community of Athens, he was awarded the Athenian Award in 2000. Arnold was a member of the Lions Club where he served as treasurer and served as a weather watcher for Channel 7 for two years. After retirement, he served his community transporting elderly individuals to their appointments. Survivors include his wife, Selma "Sally" Schroeder, Athens, four children, Kathleen (Gary) Farrington, Tucson, Ariz., David Schroeder, Wausau, Allen (Shari) Schroeder, Wausau and Mark Schroeder, Athens, seven grandchildren, Eric, Chelsea, Kimberly, Jeff, Tony, Greg and Zach, 13 great-grandchildren. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Dorothy Hopfensperger and one brother, Norman Schroeder. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday July 3, 2012 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens. Burial will be in Athens Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may call on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.