Alice Ann Schroeder, age 78 of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully Saturday, December 2, 2023. She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Emily Elizabeth; parents, Edwin and Gertrude Butler; in-laws, Ted and Effie Schroeder; brother, Frank Butler; and sister, Kim Hart. Alice is survived by her husband of 54 years, Rich Schroeder; son, Derek (Elizabeth) Schroeder; grandchildren, Reece Schroeder, Jesse Schroeder; brother, Edwin Butler; sister, Polly Clear; sister-in-law, Diane Sedam; brother-in-law, Phil Hart; and nephews, Kevin (Nita) Sedam, and Jeff Sedam. Alice graduated from Beecher High School, Flint, MI in 1964. She worked in the traffic department of WJRT-TV Ch. 12 in Flint prior to marriage. Alice was very active in church functions throughout her life. She directed youth activities, organized banquets, and took charge of special events. Her favorite church project was Franklin Graham’s Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts for kids. She gave generously of her time and resources every year to that worldwide project. Alice was an avid reader and oftentimes had several open books spread upon her bed in various stages of reading. She often said, as did Thomas Jefferson, that she could not live without her books. Family will greet visitors at 12pm, Saturday, December 9, 2023, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Funeral services will be held at 1pm with Rev. Mick Tiede officiating. Interment Blythefield Memory Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC, 28607.
Alice Ann Schroeder
10/11/1945
12/02/2023
6 Responses
Alice was the first girl I had a crush on . I will be there in spirit. RIP a very old school friend 3 grade and as a senior at Beecher. Robert Moore
I was a classmate of Alice’s from Beecher High School, class of 1964. She was well liked and definitley loved her books. I am happy to see she had a good life. May she R.I.P.
I could write a whole chapter of tribute to one of the Sweetest, Beautiful women, sisters in Christ, that I’ve ever known. When Alice walked into a room, her smile lit up the room. She was so much fun to hang out with. She taught me so much by her example of how to truly love: my hubby & others. Richard, she adored you & loved you so much. I loved to hear her talk about you – her eyes just lit up. Derek, she loved you so much & was so proud of you. Beth, she was so happy that Derek found someone to love (& put up w/him)!! ❤️ And those grandsons: Reece & Jesse were so precious to her. She truly served God with her servant heart for others. I can’t wait to see her in heaven someday. Merry Christmas, Alice. I love that you are worshipping our King in his presence today!
Aunt Alice,
I’m heartbroken by your absence and have a void in my heart because you’re not here and I can’t even explain it. I feel like I have been left behind. I remember feeling something like this many years ago when you left for Grand Rapids. When I was old enough to drive, I would drive by your old house and stare at the house imagining you talking to me and would imagine you talking during Sunday school. You were such a prayer warrior. You left a footprint in my life but was unaware how big that footprint was until you left to be with Jesus.
I’m so ashamed I did not spend more time with you and all I’m left with is regret. The world lost a Christian Soldier when you left but I lost a piece of my heart. I don’t remember if I ever told you that I love you but I know some day I’ll get my chance. You are an incredible woman and I thank you for being such a good witness to me. You changed my whole life.
Alice was such a wonderful sweet praying woman. I met her when I was a young wife in my early 20s & she was in her early 30s. We worked together with children in the little church we both attended. She was such a wonderful mentor to me. I loved working with her & learned so much from her example of selflessness, her kindness & her wonderful ways of being a caring compassionate friend, & her faithful perseverance even as she struggled with pain. She loved her Lord, loved her Rich & adored Derek & was devoted to their little family. I will always be a better teacher & person because of having known Alice. I am saddened to hear of her passing & will pray for her family during this difficult time. But I am so glad for our hope in Christ because I have no doubt she is in the presence of her Savior hearing “Well done, good & faithful servant.”
I just learned of the passing of my dear friend, Alice. We were schoolmates, attended church together and kept in touch off and on through the years. Alice loved her family, her husband, Rich, her church, her friends and most of all, our Lord. She came and blessed us with a prayer when I had my housewarming after my house burned down. She and Rich came often to DeVos Children’s hospital when my youngest grandson was born. Their support was so loving when we needed it the most. I remember her Dad’s 100th birthday party. I talked her and her sisters into singing River of Jorden for me in the restroom. I could go on and on with the memories. What sums this up is the knowledge that Alice loves us all without reservation. We have been blessed with this special gift. Rich, Derek and the rest of Alice’s family and friends, I am so sorry that she is gone, but we will be reunited in Heaven.