Joan R. Schroeder

Joan R. Schroeder (nee Beaudry) passed away in the early hours of October 9, 2025 at Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill.

Joan was born May 21, 1931 to William and Martha (nee Dorn) Beaudry of Merrill. She graduated from Merrill High School and was married to the late Gordon E. H. Schroeder who preceded her in death in July, 2003.

Joan was an amateur hobbyist and studied family genealogy. She enjoyed painting, reading, working with stained glass, and knitting as well as exploring her family ancestry. She was also an avid sports fan, she would actively follow every sporting event of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, would attend any events she was able to and even watched events online when she could.

She was a lifelong and active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill, a past member and officer of the Dorcas Society, a former member of the Mission Circle as well as a church volunteer. She was also active in the Merrill Lioness Club as well as the Red Hat Mamas, a local chapter of the Red Hat Society.

Along with her husband, she owned and operated Schroeder’s Hardware (Gamble) on East Main Street in Merrill from 1968 to 1988. She was also employed at Red Owl and Weinbrenner Shoe Outlet prior to retirement.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, John D. ‘Dick’ and Leona (nee Sonneburg) Schroeder; along with sisters, Jackie (William) Meyer, Janet (Kenneth) Martin, and Joyce (Harry Jr.) Doering.

She is survived by her brother, William (Sandra) Beaudry of Merrill; sister-in-law, June Beltz of Merrill; children, Ronald (Melissa) Schroeder and Michael (Glynis) Schroeder all of Merrill; grandchildren, Jonathan (Cassandra) Schroeder of Milwaukee, Rebekah (Bryan) Walker of Butternut, Mandi (Joshua) Kohnhorst of Merrill, and Trevor (Nicolette Kage) Schroeder of Wausau; great-grandchildren, Conner and Aiden Schroeder of Milwaukee, Lucas and Breeleigh Walker of Butternut, and Allie, Bailey, and Maddie Kohnhorst of Merrill; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The funeral service for Joan will be held at 11:30 A.M., Friday, October 17, 2025, at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation – 301 Eagle Dr., Merrill. Rev. Jon Chapa will officiate. Burial will take place in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 A.M., Friday, October 17, 2025 at the funeral home.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, Merrill, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com