Herman Schroeder, Jr.

Loyal, caring, compassionate, and hardworking – these are just a few of many words that describe Herman R. Schroeder, Jr. A very modest man, proud of all his family, yet filled with a wonderful sense of humor. Herm found happiness in many things, but nothing delighted him as much as spending time with his daughters and grandchildren.

Herman R. Schroeder, Jr. was born on November 30, 1943 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Saginaw, Michigan. He was the youngest of Herman R. Sr. and Arlene (Schneider) Schroeder’s three sons: Arlen, David and Herm Jr. Growing up, Herm’s father supported the family by working for Consumers Power Company while his mother was a homemaker busy raising three sons.

It was obvious from a young age that Herm was a bright boy, starting school a year early at the age of 4, and graduating from Saginaw Arthur Hill High School early at the age of 17. Like many young boys of the time, Herm spent much of his leisure time playing sports like basketball and baseball, and fishing, camping and hunting for pheasant, partridge and rabbits with his brother David. His brother also had a paper route that became extremely large and he employed Herm to help deliver the papers. Before there were televisions, Herm and David have fond memories of lying around the living room floor listening to their favorite radio programs – “The Green Hornet” and “Gangbusters.” In school, Herm had many close friends and they stayed connected throughout the years.

After graduating from high school in 1960, Herm attended Central Michigan University. As a dedicated student, he went to school year round and graduated a year early with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Some time later, Herm returned to Central Michigan to get his Master’s in Public Administration. At the age of 20, and fresh out of college, Herm was immediately hired as a teacher. To supplement his income, he taught driver’s education, worked with migrant students during the summer and even coached basketball for a while. He later took a job as principal of an elementary school in the Lincoln Consolidated School District in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Herm had the sole responsibility of the educational well being of 1,000 students, since there were no assistant vice principals on the staff. Throughout his 20 some years with the school district, Herm’s kind and generous demeanor made him well respected and he had many friends within the faculty. Before retiring from the job he loved, Herm became the Community Education Coordinator/Director serving the school district in yet another capacity. To occupy his summer months off of school, Herm took side jobs painting houses and barns.

When Wendi and Jennifer were born Herm’s life changed forever. Later in life he met Carol and his life changed again when Kristin was born. His three daughters gave him a positive focus in life and so much joy. Pam Flucks, who grew up close to the family, was much like an adopted daughter to Herm and he also loved her like his own. Described as a “good family man” by his daughters, Herm spent his life balancing hard work with being a loving father, succeeding in providing the best for his family. A great supporter, Herm was always giving fatherly advice to his girls, whether they wanted it or not. Ultimately, though, his advice was usually right in the end. Later in life, he was blessed with two grandchildren, Taylor and Jalen, whom he adored.

Herm was well liked due to his easygoing nature. He was quite the character, always pulling pranks and cracking jokes, but had a sensitive soft side to him. Herm liked being the life of a party, yet on a somber note, when it came to the holidays, it was all about being together with family. He loved giving little gifts to show his affection, never looking for something in return, and for fun, he would make up his own words to a song.

His pleasures in life were simple: a little country music on the radio, hunting as often as possible, being a loyal Michigan fan and pressing his luck at the casinos playing blackjack. Always frugal minded, he had no problems driving out of his way to find a good deal and being of German descent, Herm loved German food. He practiced an old German tradition, which would bestow good luck, by making sauerkraut on New Year’s Day, perhaps to help him on the blackjack tables. What first started out as family vacations and visits to his parents in Florida, Herm came to truly love the sun and water there and ended up buying a condo of his own. He couldn’t wait for November each year to make his trip down south for the winter or until April anyway.

But above all else, Herm enjoyed being surrounded by his daughters, grandchildren and friends. They were the people that he shared his life with, and the people that he loved. They will always remember Herm for his kind heart and unforgettable sense of humor that enriched the lives of his loved ones every day.

Herman R. Schroeder, Jr. of Onsted, formerly Ypsilanti, MI, died on Friday, November 26, 2004, in St. Petersburg, FL. He was preceded in death by his father, Herman R. Schroeder, Sr.. Herm’s family includes his three daughters: Wendi (Ron) Parks, Jennifer (Hank) Schroeder-Parker and Kristin Schroeder; his two grandchildren, Taylor Parks and Jalen Parker; his mother, Arlene Schroeder; his brothers: Arlen (Janet) Schroeder and David (Tracy) Schroeder; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may spend time with the family on Wednesday, December 1, from 5-8 p.m. at the Nie Life Story Funeral Home, 2400 Carpenter Road, Ann Arbor, MI. A Life Story Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 2, with Rev. William Pfeifer officiating, and the family will receive friends one hour prior to service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Saginaw, MI. Please visit Herm’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution in his memory.