Luetta Schroeder Obituary (1931 - 2024)

Luetta “Lu” Frieda Bartel Schroeder March 27, 1931- September 20, 2024 Luetta Schroeder, 93, passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, September 20, 2024. Born in Hillsboro Kansas, Luetta was raised on the family farm, and attended Bethel College and Kansas State University, graduating with a degree in dietetics. She met the love of her life, Fredric (Bud) at Bethel College. Lu and Bud were married in Newton, Kansas in 1955. Lu supported Bud through medical school and residency, including a military stint in Germany in from 1956-1958. Bud joined Colorado Clinic when they moved to Colorado in 1960, and formed his own pediatric practice when Colorado Clinic disbanded. Lu worked as the office manager for his pediatric practice until he retired in 1996. Together, Lu and Bud raised their four sons, Steve, Andy, Ron, and Dave, in Arapahoe Acres in Englewood, Colorado. Lu was heavily outnumbered, but she didn’t mind! They were the quintessential Colorado family- Broncos season ticket holders for 40 years, avid skiers (into their 70s!) and supporters of the arts. Fortunately, each of their sons remained in Colorado to raise their children. This allowed Lu’s grandchildren to experience the joy of days with Grandma and Grandpa, full of books, the elaborate craft and sewing projects that were Lu’s specialty, and time in the galley kitchen cooking with Grandma. Lu and Bud were faithful and longtime members of their church, First Plymouth Congregational Church, which they joined in January of 1961. Lu was a member of the handbell choir, the flower committee, and the hospitality committee. She cherished the friendships and sense of community she found there. Lu and Bud were the ultimate do-it-yourself-ers. Whether it was building their cabin in Silverthorne, redoing their bathroom, or designing their garden, they were doing the work themselves. And if you needed help with a project – they were willing to jump in and help. Even in her 90s, Lu could be found planting perennials in her children’s yards, or making homemade Halloween costumes (Girl with a Pearl Earring! Mrs. Frizzle!) for her grandchildren. Luetta had a tremendous zest for life. She was an avid adventurer- traveling to China, Costa Rica, Europe, Hawaii and throughout the United States with Elderhostel. They also took many trips to Newton and Hillsboro, and to Chicago and Lansing, to visit family. Lu and Bud took each of their grandchildren on a special vacation- traveling to New Mexico and Kansas, Minnesota and the Grand Canyon. She was always up for the next idea- whether that was a spur of the moment trip to the theater, a pinecone wreath making party, or skydiving for her 80th birthday. Anyone who knew Lu can confirm she built a special and individual relationship with you. She took the time to get to know you, actively listen and ask questions, and she remembered even the smallest detail. You would often find her at her kitchen table or in her livingroom, the sun shining in her giant windows behind her, sitting with someone in deep conversation. She was curious about life and about those around her. She was a connector and a gatherer. She threw the best parties, with elaborately beautiful table settings, costumes, and themes. Hosting was one of her favorite past-times whether it was for one of the infamous Schroeder parties, a super bowl game in the basement, a Bridge Group afternoon, or a weekly cousin dinner. Lu was known for being an amazing cook and consummate baker. If you were lucky enough to find yourself at Lu’s house, you knew you were in for a delicious dinner and one of her famous desserts. If you were lucky, it was one of her famous apple pies! Lu made her home a haven for everyone. The inside was a sight to behold, but her backyard was her pride and joy. She cultivated a wonderful Japanese garden, complete with a koi pond, and grew a large vegetable garden she was harvesting even this past summer. Lu welcomed surprise and scheduled visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and when they came, they could be sure it would include a walk to the garden to pick tomatoes. In particular, Christmas was a special time at Lu’s house. She loved the Christmas season and her Christmas hospitality was second to none. You knew it the second you stepped through her door – her home was filled with warmth, Christmas cheer, classical music, beautiful Christmas themes that changed each year, and the aroma of baking peppernuts. She even played Santa from time to time, carrying a large sack filled with toys for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. In Lu’s later years, her most treasured companion was her dog, Morey. For the last 13 years, Morey could be found padding alongside her, waiting for treats or for Lu to pick him up. No dog was as well loved (or as spoiled!) as Morey. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Fredric Arthur Schroeder, her parents, Ben and Elma Funk Bartel of Hillsboro, Kansas, her mother-in-law, Irene Widick Schroeder of Newton Kansas, her sister, Mary Ann (Harold) Wiens of Marion, Kansas, sister-in-law Gayle Schroeder of Chicago, Illinois, nephew, Scott David (Christina) Schroeder of Denver, Colorado, niece Beth Bartel of Denver, Colorado, and niece Diann (Marvin) Cline of Emporia, Kansas. She leaves behind: Her four sons, Steven (Patricia) Schroeder, Andrew (Patricia) Schroeder, Ronald (Barbara) Schroeder, and David (Jean) Schroeder. Grandchildren Katie (Jeff Silverman) Schroeder, Tyler (Calli) Schroeder, Rebecca Schroeder, Sara Schroeder, Michael (Megan) Schroeder, Meghann Schroeder, Benjamin Schroeder, Haley Schroeder, Allison Schroeder, Amanda Schroeder, Arden Schroeder, Jonathan (Kristi) Wesley, and Megan (Nathan) Smith, and honorary grandchildren Erin Schroeder and Matt Schroeder. Great-grandchildren Noah Schroeder Silverman, Holden Schroeder, Fredric (Freddie) Schroeder, Lainey Schroeder, Emerson Smith, and Riley Smith. Sister Betty (Lawrence [d. 2023]) Hart of Clinton, OK, brother Herb (Patricia) Bartel of Hillsboro, Kansas, and brother-in-law Widick Schroeder of Chicago, Illinois. Nieces and Nephews Gerald (Jan) Wiens, Denise (Stan) Hett, Joni (Jim) Crofoot, Janice (Don) Hodson, Loreen (Jerry) Hett, Loraine (Kevin) McGahee, Connie (Gordon) Yellowman, Nathan (Melanie Stucky) Hart, Cris Hart, Paul (Janet) Bartel, Carla (Richard) Seidel, and Mary Schroeder. Her beloved companion, Morey the dog. Too many friends to count. To know Lu, was to love Lu. She is forever etched in our hearts. She is the wind rustling in the trees, she is the echoes of cheers from the South Stands of Mile High, she is the quiet reflection at the art museum, she is bottle of red wine shared over a wooden table, she is the sunset in Silverthorne. Lu lived her life to the fullest. She never took it for granted and that is the legacy she leaves for each of us still here – the reminder to be present, to find the joy, to laugh, to be courageous, independent, and to always say yes to a party. Memorial Contributions in Lu's honor can be made to Denver Botanic Gardens, Colorado Public Radio-Classical, or Cornell Lab of Ornithology.