Ginger Lou Schroeder

Ginger “Ginny” Schroeder was a woman of family, faith, and fun. A nearly lifelong resident of Arlington Heights, IL, Ginny died of complications of vascular dementia on August 23, 2026. She was surrounded by her beloved husband of 57 years, Bradley Schroeder; her cherished daughter, Jennifer Glatt; and her youngest sister, Trudi Snively.

Ginny was born on June 21, 1948, to George and Trudy Rateike. She was baptized at St. Peter Lutheran Church, where she worshiped throughout her life, sang in the choir for many years, and served as the church receptionist. The eldest of five children, Ginny attended St. Peter School, followed by Arlington High School.

During her sophomore year at Arlington, Ginny met the love of her life, Brad. After graduation, she remained devoted to Brad through his difficult year in Vietnam. They married upon his safe return in February 1969 and spent the first six months of married life in Louisiana while Brad completed his Army service.

Ginny and Brad built a life centered on family, friendship, faith, and laughter. As Brad completed university and built a career in accounting and finance, they welcomed two beautiful children, Jennifer and Douglas. Their home was a place to gather and was filled with the smells of Ginny’s amazing cooking and baking, served with an abundance of humor and laughter.

Ginny had a special gift for making people feel welcomed and loved. Her kids’ friends saw Ginny as their extra mom. Nieces and nephews knew her as an enthusiastic fan and who always celebrated their sports and accomplishments. She will be forever remembered for the generosity, encouragement, sense of humor, and joy that she brought to their lives.

Ginny is survived by her husband Brad; daughter Jenn (David Glatt); her four grandsons, Dylan, Nathan (Claire), Ryker, and Landon Schroeder; and their mother Crystal Schroeder. She is also survived by her siblings, Donna (Richard) Nygren, Marilyn Rateike (Jeanine Clapsaddle), Trudi Snively, and George Rateike II; and her in-laws Bob (Elaine) Schroeder, Marybeth Schroeder, and John (Cathy) Schroeder, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews. Ginny was preceded in death by her beloved son Douglas, her parents, her mother- and father-in-law, and her two brothers-in-law, Scott Snively and Charlie Vernon.

A celebration of Ginny’s life will be held on Friday, August 28. A visitation will be hosted at St. Peter Lutheran Church (111 West Olive Street, Arlington Heights, IL 60004) from 9:30 to 11:00 am, followed immediately by a service honoring Ginny.

A committal service will be held in the chapel at Memory Gardens Cemetery at 12:45 PM (2501 East Euclid Avenue, Arlington Heights, IL 60004).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ginny’s memory to:

St. Peter Lutheran School and Church

The Dementia Society of America