Rev. Kenneth Schroeder

Frankenmuth, MI

Rev. Kenneth Schroeder, age 83, was called home to his Lord and Savior on June 20, 2026. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.

Ken was born on January 7, 1943, in North Tonawanda, New York, to Rev. Theodore and Hattie (Klettke) Schroeder. He grew up alongside his sister, Joy, and his late brothers, Lloyd and Ted. Baptized on January 31, 1943, and confirmed on June 2, 1957, Ken lived his life by his confirmation verse: “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.” (Romans 1:16).

On May 30, 1969, Ken graduated with a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, and was ordained June 15, 1969, by his father, into the ministry. While completing his vicarage internship at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he met the love of his life, Beppie VanderTol. They were united in holy matrimony on August 30, 1969.

Ken dedicated his life to faithful ministry. His first call as a Missionary at Large was to plant St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Spring Lake, Michigan. He later served at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bartlett, Illinois, and spent the majority of his pastoral career at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Napoleon, Ohio, where he and Beppie raised their four children. He concluded his ministry at Christ Lutheran Church in Birch Run, Michigan.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Beppie; his four children, Kristin (Tim) Dittmar, Nicole (Oscar) Posada, Joshua (Michelle) Schroeder, and Jeremy (Melissa) Schroeder; his sister, Joy Dixon; and sister-in-law, Margaret Schroeder. He was the proud grandfather of Mykala (Joe) Evans, Jayce Dittmar (Kenya Guevara), Mia, Ezra Rose, Micah, Alexandra, Charlotte, and Josie Schroeder, and Mathias Posada. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Johan (Jeannie) VanderTol and Obe (Penny) VanderTol; sister-in-law, Elly (Randy) Nyhof; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Lloyd Schroeder and Rev. Ted Schroeder; his infant grandson, Judah Aslan Schroeder; and his sister-in-law, Sandy VanderTol.

Funeral Service will take place on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church, 1030 W. Tuscola, Frankenmuth, Michigan. Rev. Joel Kaiser will officiate. Ken’s family will receive visitors at the church from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Burial will take place in St. Lorenz Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Franklin Avenue Mission or Voice of the Martyrs.