Steven J. Schroeder, 26, of West Bend, WI passed to eternal life with his Lord on Easter Sunday April 8th, 2012. He was born on July 28, 1985 to Bob & Gail (nee Mayer) Schroeder in West Bend. Steven graduated from West Bend East High School as one of the valedictorians in 2004. Following high school Steven attended St. Norbert College where he earned a Bachelors Degree. He was employed at US Bank in Milwaukee as a mutual fund accountant.
He passed away at UW-Madison hospital after complications following a double lung transplant on March 28th. Steven had been diagnosed with Primary Pulmonary Hypertension at the age of 15, and fought a courageous battle up until the time of his passing.
Despite many challenges with his lung disease, he lived life to the fullest without complaint, and sought no sympathy. He dealt with all the medicines, hospital stays and Dr visits with a positive attitude that was amazing to all who knew him. Steven loved to compete in sports, and also loved to hunt and fish. He played on the golf teams throughout high school and college. He always loved to golf, right up until the week before transplant. Steven didn't live in fear of his disease or death, but lived with a peace and confidence that "this life was not the end". His hope was in Jesus, and he knew that his Savior would welcome him to his true home in Heaven, with a healed body and perfect joy!
Steven was preceded in death by his grandparents, Leonard and Virginia Mayer and his Aunt, Susan Schroeder. He is survived by his parents, Bob and Gail Schroeder of West Bend, brothers Matthew (special friend Tracy) of Port Washington, Brian (Mindy) & nephew Samuel Steven of Glendale, and Daniel (special friend Ingrid) of Eau Claire. He is further survived by grandparents William Schroeder and Barbara and Sylvester Mancl of West Bend. He is survived further still by Aunts and Uncles Jack & Diane Mayer, Richard Mayer, Donna & Tom Gustine, Mary Jo & Kevin Barrett, Sharon & Rodney Hatch, Diane & Gordy Waddington, many very special cousins, other relatives and friends.
We are so grateful for the wonderful friends and memories Steven made through his short 26 years of life. We'd like to thank our amazing family, friends, co-workers and everyone that prayed & encouraged us during Steven's last week of life. We'd especially like to thank the wonderful staff at Children's Hospital of WI, Dr. Stuart Berger, Katie and Denise. Also, the transplant team & staff at UW-Hospital who worked tirelessly to try to save his life.
Funeral Services in honor of Steven will be held on Saturday, April 14th at 11:30 am at Community Church (2005 S. Main Street) in West Bend. Burial will follow the service in Washington County Memorial Park. Visitation will be at the church on Friday, April 13th from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm and again on Saturday from 9:30 am until the time of service. Memorials to Children's Hospital of WI and Fort Wilderness Ministries would be greatly appreciated by the family.