Barbara M. Schroeder

Barbara Margaret Otto Schroeder, 88, of Kohler, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.

Barbara was born on February 8, 1938, in Shawano, Wisconsin, to Ethel and Lester Otto. She attended Shawano High School and later attended UW Stevens Point, where she received a Bachelor of Education. She spent her career teaching children as an elementary school educator.

On July 9, 1960, Barbara married her beloved husband, Robert Albers Schroeder Jr., in Shawano. Together, they built their life and raised their three children Kristin, Robert, and Bill, in Sheboygan. Her husband, Robert, passed away suddenly in 1988.

Barbara shared an especially close bond with her sister, Pat. As the only two children in their family, they grew up side by side and were not only sisters, but best friends. Their relationship remained a constant throughout their lives, and they shared a special closeness that Barbara treasured deeply. That closeness extended to their families as well, who came together often for holidays and celebrations. Those gatherings were especially meaningful when their parents, Les and Ethel, were here. They were the foundation of the family and instilled in Barbara and Pat the values that would carry through generations: love, hard work, faith, and integrity.

A woman of many interests and a very distinct sense of style, Barbara loved to read and spend time outdoors working in her yard, where she enjoyed tending to her flowers and watching the birds. She had a deep appreciation for beautiful things and took great pride in her surroundings. She also loved to shop and had the most exquisite taste, always taking great care in how she dressed.

Barbara was a woman of strong Christian faith who read her devotional daily. She was also deeply devoted to her friendships. Barbara treasured the friends she made throughout her life and looked forward to meeting with them each week. Her friendships were an important and cherished part of her life.

Barbara was kind and generous, with a spunky and sassy personality that made her unmistakably herself. She loved to joke and could always be counted on to make people laugh. Her family adored her quick wit and way of bringing humor into everyday moments.

Barbara had a lifelong love of animals and almost always had a beloved pet by her side. Her animals were truly part of her family. Most recently, she was devoted to her beloved dog, George, who brought her tremendous companionship and joy.

But above all else, Barbara was a devoted grandmother. Her grandchildren were among the greatest joys of her life, and some of her happiest moments were the simple, everyday ones she shared with them. She treasured sleepovers, trips to Woodlake Market in Kohler to pick out a movie, making french toast together in the morning, giving back scratches, and coming to her grandchildren's school to read to their classes. She cherished every moment she had with her grandchildren and took immense pride in watching each of them grow. Each held a special place in her heart, and her love for them was one of the greatest gifts she gave her family.

Barbara is survived by her three children, Kristin (Steven) Wilcox, Robert (Anne) Schroeder III, and Bill (Sara Stephani) Schroeder; and her five grandchildren, Robert (Lilly) Schroeder IV, Mathias Schroeder, Mara (Dirk) Lueck, Drake Wilcox, and Luke Schroeder.

She is also survived by her sister, Pat (Willis) Kuse; as well as nieces and nephews: Karin (Aaron) Jamir, Anne (Torstein) Hansen, Julia (Greg) Thomas, Matt (Paula) Kuse, and their children.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Albers Schroeder Jr., and her parents Lester & Ethel Otto.

Barbara will be remembered for her kindness and generosity, her love of family and friends, her impeccable style, her love of animals, and especially her quick wit and spunky spirit. She leaves behind a family who will forever cherish the memories of the time they shared with her and the countless little pieces of her that will continue to live on in them. She will be deeply missed.

We invite family, friends, and those who knew and loved our mother to join us for a casual Celebration of Life at Riverdale in Sheboygan on Saturday, October 17, between 1:00–3:00 p.m.

The gathering will be informal and come-and-go, with no formal service or receiving line. Please feel free to stop in at any time during the gathering to visit, share a memory, offer a hug, or simply spend some time with those who knew and loved her.

In lieu of monetary gifts, donations may be made to a local humane society of your choice in honor of Barbara.

The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Barbara's arrangements.