Lois Schroeder

Lois Catheryn (Link) Schroeder left this world for a better place peacefully surrounded by family on April 16, 2018, after repeatedly fighting back non-Hodgkins lymphoma over the past 16 years. Never allowing the cancer to limit her, she led an active and independent life until her final weeks, even enjoying a trip to London in March. Born February 18, 1928, in Devils Lake, ND, to Arthur and Emily (Minette) Link, she enjoyed being the firstborn for almost two years. Then her father was killed in a tragic sleighing accident, and she and her mother faced the Depression years with courage and the loving hands of an extended family. Lois loved all animals and any work or play that involved being outdoors—as a girl, mowing grass and riding her bike and horseback in summer, and sledding, ice-skating, shoveling snow and digging snowcaves in winter. She readily acknowledged being a “tomboy” well into her teens, preferring to compete with boys rather than date them. Her most cherished spot to visit was her aunt and uncle's (Lange) farm, where she mingled with all the animals, climbed trees and haystacks, and outlasted all her male cousins in outdoor chores and fun activities. After her mother and William Fahey married, her baby sister, Marilyn Helen, joined the family, and Lois was able to enjoy Marilyn's growing-up years. Immediately after graduating high school as valedictorian, she used her shorthand and typing skills as a legal stenographer in a local law office. Her sports then included bowling and playing catcher on the city women's softball team. The travel bug bit early, when as a young girl Lois visited family by train in Washington, California and Kentucky. One of her favorite travel memories was an exciting trip in her early-20's with two friends to Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York City. In Washington they visited every famous landmark, hiked the stairs of the Washington Monument, ate lunch in the Congressional dining room, and sailed on the Potomac River, to name a few. In New York City they attended a major league baseball game, broadway plays, presentation at Radio City Music Hall, Fifth Avenue shopping; and visited Ellis Island with a climb into the torch of the Statue of Liberty. She later moved to Bismarck, ND, to become secretary to the district manager of Lion Oil Co., and continued playing softball with the “Bismarck Merchants” team, which that year won a hard-fought battle to the state championship. She transferred with Lion Oil to Billings, MT, and soon made many new friends in St. Patrick's “Pat Club”, who urged her to take up the sport of skiing. Here she met her soul-mate, architect Larry J. Schroeder. With his encouragement, she added hiking and hunting to her repertoire, although she was quick to state that she was always a participant, not an expert, at any of these activities. Lois and Larry were married at Holy Rosary Church in Billings on September 8, 1956, and soon began clearing ground, building their home according to Larry's design, and adding acreage, trees and landscaping to their property. They later also purchased The Gallery Building, an art gallery, and spent several months converting it to office space, after which Lois devoted many years of management and caring upkeep to the premises. Over the years their family grew to two daughters and five sons, all of whom Lois held in the highest esteem from infancy through adulthood. Larry opened his own firm; and Lois was a stay-at-home mom, who doubled as his secretary. Billings Heights was in its infancy, providing an almost endless playground for their children and friends. Lois always supported her children's participation in school activities, girl and boy scouts, baseball, softball, football, band, gymnastics, baby-sitting, skiing, and first and subsequent jobs. Additional education for them beyond high school was strongly encouraged and mostly followed to successful careers. She felt especially blessed to live in the home Larry designed for over 55 years; and during that time most of the family “came home for Christmas”. She baked, cooked and decorated accordingly for each holiday season. Her grand- and great-grandchildren were especially close to her, though they differed widely in ages. She loved spending time with them, reading stories, making cookies, hiding and hunting Easter eggs, playing in the snow, hiking, and watching these new generations grow and mature. Through the generosity of a family friend, in 1966 the annual trek began to Pinochle Inn, a cabin on the Boulder River south of Big Timber, MT, and lasted through the next 35 years and into the next generations. Children learned to swim, fish, chop wood, hike, enjoy evening card games, work together, and eventually float the river. Fast-forward to today: Love of the Boulder has only grown, with several of Lois and Larry's children now owning their own cabins, and enjoying all seasons of the year in that beautiful valley. Lois always felt blessed to join her family there for long weekends and many holiday celebrations. Lois always loved dogs and horses but had to wait until after her marriage to own either. After that she never was without a dog or two, helped raise an orphan colt, and for over 46 years had a donkey in the pasture adjacent to her home. She was a member of the Earlybird bowling league at Heights Lanes for over 30 years, always striving toward (but never quite achieving) the goal of a 600 series (though she twice came within eight pins.) She also was a 40+ year member of St. Bernard's Council of Catholic Women and St. Christopher's Circle, often serving as secretary or treasurer. After her family was well on their way in school and beyond, Lois rejoined the workforce as secretary to the Montana district manager of Moore Business Forms, completing 12 years before her retirement. During this time she also cared for Larry's mom, Mattie, following a debilitating stroke. And only a few years later the family had to say goodbye to Larry, who had valiantly fought heart disease and diabetes. Determined to keep a positive attitude and stay active, Lois soon began volunteering her office skills at St. Bernard's Parish, St. Vincent de Paul thrift store and charity office, at the Billings Animal Shelter, and later at Billings Animal Control. She continued these weekly projects for the next 19 years. She also joined “Global Grannies”, where she made many new friends, attended monthly luncheons, and best of all, was able to travel extensively to France, Austria, Ireland, Hawaii, Canada, Alaska, Mexico, Branson, MO, and two exciting cruises. She also enjoyed family visits to Arizona, California, Colorado, Washington and Costa Rica over the years. Lois was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather, infant baby brother; husband, Larry; mother and father-in-law, Mattie and Al Schroeder; and many close aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is survived by her sister, Marilyn (Greg) Schell, their four children and three grandchildren; daughters Janet (Allen Barta) and Carol (Mike) Bertolino; sons Dave, Steve (Lisa), Mike, Dan (Erin), and Gary; four grandchildren: Tamara Kraft; Michelle (Steve) Studer; and Ella and Enzo Bertolino; step-grandchildren Calvin (Stephanie) Moseman; Karina and Tressa Croaker; Amanda and Sophie Barta; Eric Collins and Sean McCabe; and by eight great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and caregivers at Billings Clinic, and all of Lois's dear friends over the years who offered their support, friendship, love and prayers on her behalf. Viewing will be at Dahl Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, April 18 from 1pm to 5pm, and Thursday, April 19 from 8am to 4pm. A vigil will be held with open casket at 6pm on Thursday, April 19th at St. Bernard's Parish. All friends are invited to attend and share their memories of Lois with the family. Funeral Mass is scheduled for 10am on Friday April 20th at St. Bernard's Parish, followed by a luncheon. Cremation will follow, and interment of ashes will take place by the family at a later date. Dahl Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Memorials, if desired, may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society; Soaring Eagle Retirement Home, Ashland, MT; Billings Animal Control (Injured Animal Fund); or the charity of one's choice.