The Lord is my life and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)
Mary Ellen Schroeder (‘nee Schultz) was born on December 17, 1934, to William and Ella (nee Volkmann) Schultz. At Immanuel Lutheran Church of Greenville, WI shortly after her birth, she was born again with the water of Holy Baptism and made a child God. She later confirmed her Christian faith as a teenager, also at Immanuel.
Mary Ellen lived every day knowing Jesus as her Savior. The above passage expresses how Mary Ellen lived her entire life – without fear or worry, knowing the Lord was in control of all things. Her calm, matter-of-fact approach to life’s anxieties was extraordinary to witness. Mary Ellen’s earthly journey came to an end on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. We now rejoice in the knowledge that she is enjoying eternity by her Savior’s side, free from any worry or pain.
On May 2, 1964, Mary Ellen married Earl Edwin Schroeder. Settling in Sheboygan, WI, God blessed their union with, at the time of Mary Ellen’s death, three children, 10 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. Earl and Mary Ellen were married for 58 ½ years at the time of Earl’s death in 2022.
Having grown up on her family’s farm as one of nine children, Mary Ellen remained, throughout her life, an incredibly hard working, industrious woman. Tending her large garden, canning, baking, cooking, and keeping an impeccable home, along with working for the Sheboygan Water Utility for over 20 years, Mary Ellen was happiest when she was busy. Her family always came first, and she reveled in spending time with her children and grandchildren. She loved talking sports and was very knowledgeable, especially when it came to her favorite, the Green Bay Packers.
Church was an important part of Mary Ellen’s life. She and Earl were members at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sheboygan where Mary Ellen taught Sunday School for 10 years. Attending church every Sunday was her priority. She was active in making her famous desserts for funerals and various church functions and she and Earl cultivated life-long friendships with many members of Calvary.
Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her husband Earl, her parents, six siblings, many in-laws, and an infant grandson, Isaac Christopher Schroeder. She is survived by her children, Paul (Polly) Schroeder of Fond du Lac, Rev. Thomas (Laura) Schroeder of Lake City, MN, Kristin Schroeder of Pewaukee, her grandchildren, Faith, Nathanael (Sarah), Andrew, Zach, Caleb (Caitlin), Allie, Philip, Sam, and Peter and her great granddaughter, Jordan, along with several other dear family members.
Friends and family may gather to hear God’s words of comfort at Mary Ellen’s funeral on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2132 N 27th St.,
Sheboygan, WI with Pastor Matt Grunewald officiating. Visitation will take place at 10:00 a.m., one hour before the 11:00 a.m. service. A luncheon will follow the service.
A Committal Service will take place at a later date in a private ceremony at Highland Memorial Park in Appleton.
Memorials may be given in Mary Ellen’s name to Calvary Lutheran Church, Manitowoc Lutheran High School, or Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary.
These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. (Revelation 7:14)
Please visit our website to share your stories and leave your condolences for the family www.olsonfuneralhome.info.
The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Mary Ellen’s arrangements.
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