Thomas A Schroeder, Md

Thomas A. Schroeder, MD a loving father, grandfather, physician, volunteer, and friend died peacefully on March 31, 2024, at the age of 90.

Thomas (Tom) was born August 11, 1933, in Dubuque, Iowa where started his adventurous life including swimming in the Mississippi River, working jobs including his uncle’s farm, newspaper routes, A&P grocery store, on the railroad, an upholstery shop as well as working for his brother Jim building homes. Tom attended Nativity grade school, Loras Academy and then Loras College in Dubuque IA before attending University of Iowa Medical School. Tom returned to Dubuque to work at Mercy Hospital where he met nurse Marilyn Mitchell. Soon they were married and began a family. Tom was a Naval Officer living in San Diego, Seattle, Milwaukee where he completed his residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital and finally settled in Oconomowoc, WI in 1964.

Tom spent his professional life working as an OB/GYN at Wilkinson Clinic and Memorial Hospital Oconomowoc. Tom was known by many as one of few “baby doctors” in Oconomowoc and Watertown; according to his notes he delivered at least 6,500 babies over 30 years. Everyone who worked with him knew him as a patient and kind co-worker and physician. Up until his last days former patients would recognize him around town and state “You delivered my babies!” The last baby he delivered was in 1994 for a dear family friend.

Tom was a professional volunteer during retirement, working for years using his construction and woodworking skills at Habitat for Humanity and Oconomowoc’s Lake Area Free Clinic, where is also served as one of the first Board members. Family and friends also were benefactors of Tom’s woodworking skills as he made grandfather clocks, shelving, desks, carvings, birdhouses and re-upholstered just about anything. He continued his work at his last home at Towner Crest in Oconomowoc building a library bookshelf with friends in the workshop where he donated many pieces of equipment. As a nature-lover and scientist he also volunteered at The Nature Conservancy in Tensleep, Wyoming and the Tirimbina eco-research station in Costa Rica.

Tom and Marilyn were avid travelers with trips including rafting through Grand Canyon, cross-country skiing in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, UP Michigan, hiking trips through Alaska and Glacier Park and cruises through Europe and South America learning the history, art, culture, and cuisine. When Marilyn passed in June 2017, Tom fended for himself in the kitchen using recipes Marilyn had left for him. Tom was a long-time member of St. Jerome Church he was often seen at daily mass with friends providing rides when he could no longer drive.

Tom will be sadly missed by his children Sarah (Peter) Ross, Joseph (Karen) Schroeder, Ruth (Patrick) O'Donnell, Peter (Colleen) Schroeder; his daughter-in-law Jean (the late John Schroeder) McClure; his grandchildren Jacob (Anna) Schroeder, Matthew (Meghan) Ross, Mark (Paulina) Ross, Mitchell Schroeder, Helene Schroeder, Olive Schroeder and Cleo Schroeder; his great grandchildren Annalise and Isabel Ross, Jack and Sam Schroeder and sister-in-law, Arlene Herrig along with many nieces and nephews. Tom is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years Marilyn, his son John, his parents Andrew and Modwena Schroeder; his brother Jim (Peggy) Schroeder and sister Virginia (William) Collins.

Memorials to the Lake Area Free Clinic, Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha County and AngelsGrace Hospice are welcomed.

The family would like to thank all the dear friends who brought comfort, companionship, prayers, and smiles to the last leg of his journey. Additional thanks to the caring staff and volunteers at AngelsGrace Hospice.

Services will be held at Pagenkopf Funeral Home (2228 N. Silver Maple Lane, Oconomowoc, WI) on Friday, April 12, 2024. Visitation will be held at 9 AM with a Catholic service to follow at 11 AM. Guests are invited to stay for a celebration lunch. Inurnment at St. Jerome Cemetery will follow.