Michael Edward Schroeder's Obituary
Big Rapids – Michael Edward Schroeder, 76, of Big Rapids, passed away Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at Corewell Health Blodgett Hospital.
He was born on December 26, 1947, in Big Rapids, the son of Edward and Marie (Hayes) Schroeder, Jr. Mike attended St. Peter’s Lutheran School and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1966. He then earned his Bachelors Degree in Chemistry Education from Ferris State College.
Mike taught high school chemistry at Benton Harbor High School for many years. Later he became the Southwest Michigan Regional Director for the Michigan Education Association (MEA) until he retired. After retirement he moved to North Fort Meyers, FL, and just recently returned to Big Rapids.
Mike loved baseball, playing on little league, American Legion, and the BRHS baseball teams, and was an avid Detroit Tigers fan. He loved sailing his boat on Lake Michigan and was a member of the St. Joseph River Yacht Club for many years. Mike enjoyed doing research on family ancestry and was the family genealogist. The highlight of his research was a trip to Poland in 2013 with his brother Kevin to discover the roots of the Schroeder and Mehl families.
Mike was preceded in death by his wife V.J. (nee McFarland). He is survived by his brothers Kelly (Kate) Benjamin of Mecosta, and Kevin (Jamie) Schroeder of Holland; his sister Karen (Mike) Griffith of Carpentersville, IL; his stepson Shane Neel of Vicksburg; grandchildren Justin, J.T., and Wyatt Neel, and Jordy and Danny Hanners; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mike was also preceded in death by his sister Marcy Covey, and stepdaughter Tammy Hanners.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 2, 2025, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church with Pastor Tyson Bentz officiating, Mike’s family will greet friends beginning at 10:00 a.m., Thursday at the church. He will be laid to rest at Mt. Ever Rest Memorial Park South in Kalamazoo. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Janowicz Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at MohnkeJanowiczFuneralHome.com.
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