Patricia Finke Schroeder passed away November 11, 2023 at Delmar Gardens in Henderson, Nevada, at
the age of 96. Born July 21, 1927 in Sheboygan, she was the daughter of Dr. Almore H. Finke, DDS and
Valeda Marie Finke. She graduated from Central High School and continued her education at the
University of Wisconsin – Madison earning a Bachelors degree in chemistry. She was a member of
Gamma Phi Beta sorority and played French horn in the symphony orchestra. After teaching briefly in
Janesville, WI, she married Edward F. Schroeder at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Sheboygan in
1950. They moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida where they raised two children and spent the next 53
years together.
Pat was a strong advocate of higher education and often encouraged others to return to school. While
teaching at Sunrise Junior High School, Pat earned her Masters degree in Guidance and Counseling
from Florida Atlantic University and became the Senior Class Guidance Counselor at Fort Lauderdale
High School. She considered it a joy and an honor to counsel hundreds of high school students on their
college and career paths. Years after graduation, former students would visit, call or send letters and
Christmas cards thanking her for her tireless efforts in helping them complete their applications for
college admissions and scholarships. She was a member of Mensa International and had a total recall
memory.
In retirement, Pat and Ed enjoyed taking cruises and splitting their time between their condo in Pompano
Beach, FL and their summer house in the “enchanted valley” of Young Harris, Georgia. They treasured
visits from their children and grandchildren at both locales. Pat enjoyed cooking, sewing, swimming,
crocheting afghans and especially spending time with family and friends. She moved to Henderson,
Nevada in 2017 to be closer to her son and his family.
Preceded in death by her parents and her husband, she is survived by her daughter Kathy (Ashton) of
Oxford, MS and her son Walter “Russ” Schroeder, MD (Karen) of Henderson, NV; grandchildren Chip
(Katie) Pearson, Matt (Hilary) Pearson, Erin Schroeder (Alex Zucchi Moffitt), Erika Schroeder (Everett
Wilson), Emily (Javier) Schroeder and Elysa Schroeder; brother, Richard (Kay) Finke of Sun City, West,
AZ, great grandchildren Ashton, Brooks, Caroline and Adeline, and several nieces and nephews.
Pat’s final resting place will be in Wildwood Cemetery in Sheboygan with a celebration graveside service
at 1 pm Saturday, December 2. Former neighbors or friends in Sheboygan who may remember the Finke
and Schroeder families are welcome. Memorials in her name may be made to the University of
Wisconsin (Madison) Symphony Orchestra or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
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