Irene L. Schroeder

Born on the 16th of December 1916, and raised in Giddings, Texas, she was graduated from Giddings High School as Salutatorian. She received a small scholarship to attend Texas Lutheran College in Seguin. She worked in the college library and cafeteria and lettered in intra-mural sports including basketball (Team Captain), volleyball, baseball and track. She was a member of Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society, Big Sisters’ Club, Luther League, and Choir. Irene wrote for the Lone Star Lutheran school paper, was Associate Editor of The Growl yearbook, and served as the Secretary-Treasurer of the Girls’ Athletic Association. In 1936 she received her Associate of Arts degree, Magna Cum Laude, from Texas Lutheran College.

She was graduated from The University of Texas with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1954. Irene was a member of Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.

Irene continued her education at Southwest Texas State College in San Marcus, Texas, and earned her Master of Education degree in 1960.

Irene met her future husband, Milton C. Schroeder, in parochial school in Giddings. They eventually met again at a dance at the Airline Hall in Giddings.

They married in 1938 in Austin, Texas, and had a son, Milton C. “Buddy” Schroeder, Jr.

Irene taught throughout Lee County for 17 years at various schools in Good Hope, Manheim, Dime Box and Giddings (Immanuel Lutheran).

In 1962 she relocated with her family to Houston, Texas, where she was an educator with the Houston Independent School District at Franklin Elementary until her retirement in 1987. Irene served as Chorus Director, Grade Chairman, and Assistant Principal. Irene also taught classes to children and adults learning the English language.

Irene was a faithful servant to the Lord. She was a dedicated member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Giddings, Texas, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas, and Memorial Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas.

She enjoyed gardening and was known for her beautiful flowers and lawn. She made a fabulous Sunday pot roast, loved a good barbeque and enjoyed a lively game of Forty-Two.

Her family, friends, colleagues, students and assisted living neighbors and caretakers will always remember Irene’s kindness, her passion for music and her love of singing. She delighted in teaching the children’s choir and singing in the choir. She loved to host family Christmas gatherings, complete with a joyous round of carols including many favorites, sung in German. Irene knew the Lutheran hymnal by heart and was humming praises to the Lord to the very end.

She was the beloved grandmother of Greg Schroeder and Jennifer Schroeder. She is also survived by her brother, Carl Liberty and wife Aileen; brother, Dr. Paul “P.G.” Liberty and wife Chloe; nieces and nephews: Carl “C.B.” Liberty and wife Lynda; Doug Liberty and wife Karen Frame; Mark Liberty and wife Dianna; Brenda Patterson and husband Stephen; and numerous other nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, Milton C. Schroeder, Sr.; son, Milton C. "Buddy" Schroeder, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Diane (Schroeder) Garner; mother, Helena Theresia Liberty; father, Paul G. Liberty; sister, Ruby Gromatzky; brother-in-law, Carl R. Gromatzky; sister, Geraldine Cook; and niece, Kay Anderson.

A graveside service will be held at eleven o’clock in the morning on Saturday, the 24th of January 2015, at the Giddings City Cemetery in Giddings, Texas.

In lieu of customary remembrances, tributes in her memory may be directed to Memorial Lutheran Church and School, 5800 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas 77057.