Vern Schroeder

Vern Schroeder, 91, died Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009, at the Warm Beach Retirement Center in Stanwood, Wash., after a courageous battle with cancer.
Vern was born Nov. 1, 1917, in Drake, Saskatchewan, Canada, to Jacob F. and Anna Schroeder. He later became a resident of Seattle, Wash. At one year of age his father passed away and his mother moved the family to Mountain Lake, Minn., where Vern grew up. Later, while attending Moody Bible Institute (MBI) in Chicago, Ill., he received his summons into service in World War II. Since he had registered as a conscientious objector due to his Mennonite beliefs, he made the decision to become an Army medic to enable him to be a witness to others. During his training in Denver, Colo., he married Marjorie Bergman on April 9, 1944.
Vern was sent to take part in the heavy fighting to liberate the Philippines with the 37th Division. During the last part of his duty, he was asked to be the chaplain’s assistant stationed in Baguio. In February 1946, he received his discharge and returned to MBI, graduating in August 1949.
He was employed at the American Can Company for several years, followed by almost 14 years with the Washington State Patrol. He retired from the Boeing Company after almost 20 years at the age of 70.  Thereafter he actively served the Lord in many capacities in his church.
After retirement, his great pleasure was many gatherings with his family and traveling around the U.S., Canada and Alaska with his wife in their camper, visiting many relatives and friends along the way.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Cornelius (in infancy) and Jacob; his twin sister, Verna Loewen; and two nieces, Janlee Blosser and Velma Loewen.
Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Marjorie; one son, DonaId Schroeder and his wife, GaiI; two daughters, Kathryn Larson and her husband, Ron, and Lois Arnold and her husband, Rob; eight grandchildren, Jason Larson, Rachael Clarke, Heather Larson, Shawn Larson, Peter Larson, Mathew ArnoId, Todd Arnold and Jacob Schroeder; and seven great grandchildren, Mariah Larson, Nathan Larson, Daniel Clarke, Peyton Clarke, Allison Clarke, Jaxon Larson and Kooper Larson.
Grave services were held at Floral Hills in Lynnwood, Wash., on Sept. 2, and a memorial service was held at Island Baptist Church at Camano Island on Sept. 16.
Please make memorials to the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Ill., or the Gideon Bible Society.