Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association
John H. Schroeder Passes Away
John H. Schroeder, age 81, of Antigo died Monday, January 16, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family from complications associated with Parkinson’s disease.
John was born on May 24, 1935 in the Town of Rolling to the late Henry and Martha (Weix) Schroeder.
John was united in marriage to Jaclyn Cousineau on November 16, 1957 in Madison, WI. She survives and resides in Antigo.
John was raised on a dairy farm homesteaded by his great-grandfather in 1879. The farm was 80 acres, including 20 acres of potatoes.
John was a graduate of Antigo High School class of 1953. He then enlisted in the US Army, serving in Alaska until 1957. He attended University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned a degree in Agricultural Economics.
John returned to Antigo working as an agent with Prudential Insurance Company. He also established Schroeder’s Farm Market and owned and operated the Blackjack Steakhouse with his wife for 40 years.
In 1970, John returned to farming with his father. They expanded the farm from 350 acres of potatoes along with rotation crops to the present, Schroeder Brothers Farms, cultivating 2,300 acres. The farm is currently operating under the 5th and 6th generation of the Schroeder family.
John served on the board of directors for the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association and was a delegate on the National Potato Council. He was also was a member of the Fidelity Marine Bank Board of Directors and a member of the Jaycees.
John was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, where he served as an elder.
John continued to enjoy visits to the farm after his retirement and seeing his family carry on the advancements in farming. He also enjoyed wintering in Florida with Jackie, and watching his grandchildren in their many activities.
In addition to his wife, Jackie, John is survived by his children, John T. (Judy Diercks) of Antigo, Jennifer (Jim) Horton of Maple Grove, MN, Peter (Gina Doucette) of Antigo, Robert (Susan Draeger) of Antigo; 11 grandchildren, Alyssa, Jaimie, and Alec Horton, John D. (Hannah) Schroeder, Jason (Amy) Schroeder, Jenna (Peter) Walker, Eric (Theresa) Schroeder, Andrew Schroeder, Alexis, Lucas and Sophia Schroeder; 4 great-grandchildren, Parker, Jax, John Winston, and Henry Schroeder; 2 sisters, Colleen Schweitzer of Manitowoc and Janice Jesse of Neenah.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas Schroeder.
Visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11:00 AM at Peace Lutheran Church with visitation at the church from 10:00 AM until the service. Vicar Jarod Koenig and Jeff Nielson will officiate.
Military honors will follow the service at the church.
