Stephen Lynn Schroeder

January 17, 1949 – August 15, 2024

Reverend Stephen Lynn Schroeder, retired elder, beloved spouse, father and grandfather, died on August 15, 2024. He is survived by his wife Deborah Schroeder of Yakima, children Ryan Schroeder and his wife Tricia of Seattle; Thomas Couraud and his wife Jackie of Spokane; Jennifer Hess and her husband Neil of Yakima; Tyler Schroeder and his wife Mary of Bellingham; his sister Barbara Schroeder of Yakima; and his 9 grandchildren: Evangeline Couraud, Kevin and Katelyn Schroeder, Jacob Schroeder, Olivia Couraud, Ellis Schroeder, Amelia Couraud, Wyatt Hess, and Bella Couraud.

Rev. Steve Schroeder began his service in the Pacific Northwest Conference in 1978 after graduating from Morningside College and Iliff School of Theology. He was appointed to the following churches: Stevenson/Lyle, Stevenson, Colville, Shelton and the Methow Valley. While appointed to the Methow Valley, he also served as Co-District Superintendent of the Seven Rivers District. Steve was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and took leave in 2011. He officially retired in 2017.

Rev. Steve Schroeder worked faithfully for 42 years ministering to numerous churches and groups. Besides pastoring to the churches listed previously some other aspects of his ministry included:

 Working with rural communities and churches to support and grow, as well as increasing awareness of their value

 Voluntarily serving monthly communion and worship services at Hartline church

 Working with Women’s Domestic Violence groups in Shelton and the Methow Valley

 Almost a decade working in coordination with high school youth and PNW Cross Connection, a missions based community service program

 High School suicide and grief counseling

 Refereeing Okanogan high school soccer

 Refereeing a boys 2B state soccer game

 Coaching high school track and field in Shelton

 Co-leading the Yakima Parkinson’s group for several years

 Writing poetry - 26 books that he wrote and bound over a 30 year period

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Rev. Steve Schroeder will take place on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 1 pm. The service will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church, located at 14 N. 48th Ave., Yakima, WA 98908.

In place of flowers or gifts, we ask that you donate to:

The American Parkinson’s Foundation

130 Nickerson St.

Seattle, WA 98109