Darlene W. Schroeder

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 16, 2018 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Columbia United Church of Christ, 3201 I-70 Drive NW, Columbia, MO.

Funeral services will be held at the church on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 10:00 am with burial following at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Darlene was born on January 6, 1938 in Granite City, IL, the daughter of George and Lydia (Wachter) Willaredt who preceded her in death. She was married on August 16, 1958 in Granite City, IL to Joseph Schroeder Jr who survives her.

Darlene began her 40 year career at the University of Missouri working for Dr. Vernon E. Wilson, Dean of the University of Missouri Medical School. She later served more than 20 years under Dr. Elmer Ellis, University of Missouri President Emeritus. In 2006, she received the University of Missouri Chancellor’s Staff Retiree of the Year Award for extraordinary contributions to the welfare of the community during her retirement.

Darlene was an active member of the Columbia United Church of Christ, participating in Women’s Fellowship and serving on committees including Church Council, the Memorial Education Fund, Little Ones Day Out and others.

For more than 45 years, Darlene worked side by side with her husband to facilitate programs to benefit the youth in the community including serving on PTA at Russell Elementary and West Junior High Schools; multiple terms as Booster Club President at Rock Bridge High; creating, organizing and running the Regional Junior Olympic meet; and volunteering at MSHSAA events. Darlene and Joe also served for many years as volunteer officials for Mizzou Track and Field, including serving terms as President for the organization.

Other survivors include: four children, Joseph Schroeder III (Stephanie) of Brighton, MI, Jeffrey Schroeder (Jana) of Columbia, MO, Robin Hardy (Greg) of St. Peters, MO and Kevin Schroeder (Stacy) of Columbia, MO; ten grandchildren; one sister, Doris Keller of Maryville, IL and one brother, George Willaredt of Glen Carbon, IL; Darlene also was preceded in death by one sister, Marie Willaredt and two brothers, Alvin Willaredt and Harley Willaredt.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Columbia United Church of Christ, 3201 I-70 Drive NW, Columbia, MO 65202.