Marilyn Joyce Schroeder

Marilyn Joyce Schroeder passed from this earth into the arms of her Heavenly Father on September 17, 2022 at the age of 77.

She was born on October 4, 1944 in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Marilyn was one of 10 children and loved her brothers and sisters deeply. At an early age, she began using her voice to sing and harmonize with her sisters at family events. In 1956, at the age of 12, the Penner family moved to California. Marilyn attended Clovis High School, then graduated from McLane High School when it was a new school.

In 1960, Marilyn met the love of her life, Kenneth Schroeder. They were married July 7, 1961 in Fresno, CA and Marilyn became part of the loving Schroeder family, her second family. Ken and Marilyn were married for 58 years. In 1962, their first son Brent was born, followed by Bryan in 1964. In 1970, their daughter Lisa made a surprise appearance.

The Schroeder family spent many weekends camping in the mountains, especially Summerdale and at the ocean at Morro Bay. Marilyn would do the shopping and have the trailer packed and ready by Friday afternoon. Many happy memories were shared with the immediate family as well as with extended family and friends, enjoying nature and good company.
In 1974, the Schroeder family moved from Fresno to Madera, specifically to the Dixieland area. Marilyn learned to be a country dweller very quickly, a wife to a farmer, and a mother to FFA and 4-H children. She never loved the rodents on the farm but became adept at helping to prepare sheep and steers for the fair.

When her children were all in school, Marilyn re-entered the work force as an Instructional Aide. First at Dixieland Elementary, then at Washington Elementary, and lastly at Madera High School. She ran the copy center at the high school, assisting students to learn life and work skills. She also helped to supplement the family’s income working part time at JCPenney after school and during the Christmas season.

Marilyn loved her church families at Madera Avenue Bible Church and returned to her first church at Bethany Church in Fresno. She sang in the choir for many years with her friends and served many, many meals at both churches. She was active in ladies groups, bible studies and a proud member of the Grey Ladies. Marilyn enjoyed serving others and was often the hands and feet of Jesus.

Marilyn had the heart of a servant. Perhaps this was most evident in her service to her family. She took wonderful care of her Kenny, especially in his later years when he needed it the most. She supported her children through difficult times, always offering food, prayer and love. She loved her grandchildren and delighted in having them over for swim parties, helping them with homework, or just offering a listening ear. On New Year's Day, the extended family was invited for breakfast and fritters. And on request, she always made crepes.

The greatest desire of Marilyn is that her family and friends would know Jesus as she did and that they would trust in Him in all their ways. Even at the end of her days, she worshipped Him with her hand raised.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents Dietrich and Martha Penner. Her loving husband, Kenneth William Schroeder. Her grandson, Garrett Thomas Lobue and great granddaughter Emma Michelle Gomez. Her brother Melvin Penner and sister Ida Neufeld.

Marilyn is survived by her sons Brent Schroeder (Linda), Bryan Schroeder (Laura), daughter Lisa Clinton (Kyle), 15 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren and her brothers and sisters: Frank Penner, Clare Trammel, Norma Koski, Don Penner, Dotti Payne, James Penner and Edie Radtke.

Graveside service will be held on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at Arbor Vitae Cemetery, Madera, CA under the direction of Jay Chapel

Memorial service will be held on Monday, October 10, 2022 10:00 a.m. at Bethany Church, 9161 N Maple Ave, Fresno, CA 93720