Lois Leona Schroeder

Lois Leona Schroeder was born April 3, 1916, to Harley and Ada Minnie Manges in Gilbert, Iowa. She attended Bell School through the 8th grade. Lois has been a resident of Freeborn County since 1928. On September 1, 1934, she was united in marriage to Elmer A. Schroeder at the Hayward Lutheran Church. Lois was baptized December 8, 1935, on the family farm in Twin Groves, MN. The couple farmed in the Big Island State Park area before moving southeast of Hayward in 1957. Lois was also employed at Land-O-Lakes for 10 years. After retiring from farming in the early 70s, Elmer and Lois moved into Hayward. Lois was an active member of the Hayward Lutheran Church, the Naomi Circle, the Church choir, and various other church groups. She was also a member of the Big 4 Local Farmers Union, Hayward Garden Club, and the Hayward Senior Citizens. Lois enjoyed gardening, raising flowers, canning foods, baking, crocheting, sewing, making quilts, and especially spending time with her family and friends. Survivors include her children: Howard and wife, Sue Schroeder of Owatonna, Margaret and husband, Paul Hagen of Albert Lea, Millie and husband, Dale Westland of Hayward, Vernon and wife, Olive Schroeder, also of Hayward, and LaVerne and special friend, Cheryl Schroeder of rural Hayward; 19 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, 4 great- great-grandchildren, and several step grandchildren; brothers, Robert and wife, Jane Manges of New Hampton, IA, and John and wife, Twyla Manges of Roseville, MN; sister, Mary Juhl of Medford, MN; several sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews. Lois was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Elmer; sons, Charles and Kenneth Allen; and brothers, Henry and Kenneth Manges.