Gerald "Jerry" Schroedel

Gerald "Jerry" J. Schroedel, 82, of Waukon, IA, died Monday, March 14, 2022, at Northgate Care Center in Waukon. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 18th, at 11:00 AM at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Waukon with Pastor Kim Gates officiating. Friends may greet the family from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Thursday at Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery in Waukon.

Gerald John Schroedel was born July 25, 1939, in Sherburn, MN, the son of Mathias James Paul and Velma Minerva (Mowery) Schroedel. He grew up in Sherburn, where he attended grade school and graduated from Sherburn High School in 1957. During his high school years, Jerry was active in sports, playing basketball and especially enjoyed summer adult baseball league. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dad and uncles; this continued into his adulthood.

Jerry graduated from Mankato State University with a teaching degree in geography and physical education and a math minor. For seven years, he taught in Lansing, IA, then was recruited to teach special education in Waukon, IA, which he did for the remainder of his teaching career, retiring in 2000. During this time, Jerry completed his master's degree in school counseling from Winona State University and his special education degree in Iowa. For 10 years after retirement, he substitute taught as well.

On December 22, 1963, he married Gweneth Kay Petersen at Sherburn United Methodist Church. They lived in New Albin, IA, until the summer of 1964, when they moved to Lansing. Jerry and Gwen had two daughters: Tamara was born in 1966 and Paula in 1970. In 1971, they moved to Waukon, where they have remained since then.

He was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Waukon, the Allamakee Community Players, and the Waukon Lion's Club. As a member of the Jaycee's Club, Jerry was honored as one of the best presidents in the state of Iowa. For many years, he was also a part of the crew for Al Hanson's hot air balloons. However, Jerry was always happiest when hunting and fishing.

Jerry is survived by his wife Gwen of Waukon; daughter Tamara (Steve "Bevo") Philby of Red Oak, IA; son-in-law Larry Troendle of Waukon; three grandchildren: Zachary and Dalon Troendle and Kaylee Philby; one sister Judi (Doug) Sinn of Jackson, MN; one nephew Jason (Kristy) DeWall; and a daughter of the heart Melissa (Darin) Carolus of Waverly. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Paula Kay Schroedel Troendle, and several aunts and uncles.

Honorary casketbearers are Waukon Lions Club Members. Casketbearers are Zachary and Dalon Troendle, Steve Philby, Jason DeWall, Daniel Iseli, and Aaron Sorum.