Elmer "Al" Schroeder

Elmer "Al" Schroeder of Longboat Key, Florida died at home Sunday, March 25th. Prior to living in Florida, Al and his family resided in South Holland for over 20 years. Born in Chicago, Illinois, February 3, 1927, to Henry and Mary Pritzer Schroeder, Al attended St Paul Lutheran Elementary School and Fenger High School. As a member of the "greatest generation," he followed his older brothers into the military and proudly joined the Navy serving as an aircraft mechanic. Upon his discharge in 1946, he attended and graduated from Purdue University. After graduating, he met and married Gloria nee Buchl, and was a devoted husband, best friend and life-long companion for 62 wonderful years. Al had a 30 year career in the insurance industry until his retirement in 1987 and was a long-term member of the Izaac Walton League in Dolton, Illinois where he and his family spent many summers picnicking on "Schroeder's Point." He spent his free time golfing, fishing, traveling and working on cars.

Al was a loving father of four devoted children, Carole (Keith) Lindholm, Allison (Craig) Chismarick, Diane (Thomas) Adduci and Colonel Allan (Camille) Schroeder. He was the proud grandfather of Thomas, Jeffrey, Jack and Layne. In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, Al is also survived by his brother, Norman.

Al was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Raymond, Edwin, Henry, and Adeline Rasinskas.

A Memorial Service celebrating Al’s life will be held at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 7800 W. McCarthy Road, Palos Heights on Tuesday, April 3 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Suncoast Chapter, 3507 East Frontage Road, Suite 300, Tampa, FL 33607