William "Bill" M. Schroeder

Bill was born in Yakima to William & Helen Mead Schroeder on October 20, 1932. Bill attended and graduated from Wapato High School in 1951 and then Washington State University in 1956 where he had been an active support member of the Washington State Football Team. In 1956, Bill reported for duty with the United States Army and served in Korea. Upon his discharge from the Army, he returned home in Wapato to assist his mother and ailing father with their orchards which he would later purchase and raise his family. Bill met the love of his life, Anna, through mutual friends and married in October 1962.

Soon after, he became a father of three children, Jon, Suzanne, and Julie Schroeder. Being a successful fruit grower provided an immense sense of pride and an amazing life for his family. Bill had several lifelong friends from Wapato and was a past member of the Wapato Lions. Bill was also a past member of the Yakima Elks, was a former Area Governor for the Republican Party and was instrumental in forming the Tree Fruit Pest Management in the Yakima Valley. Bill sold the family orchard in 1995 and later the family home in 1999. Bill had a deep rooted work ethic and continued to work for People For People from 2001-2008. Many will remember Bill as “Mr. Toastmaster” as he was an accomplished speaker (Toastmaster of the Year 1997), mentor and trainer of public speaking with Toastmasters International throughout the Valley and State. Washington State University has also lost their BIGGEST fan! Having been a manager for the WSU Football Team, Bill became an alumni donor to the Cougar Athletics, member of the Cougar Club and of the Yakima Cougar Breakfast Club.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents William and Helen Mead Schroder.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Anna of Yakima, son Jon (Laura) Schroeder of Battleground, daughter Suzanne (Craig) Garrison of Yakima, daughter Julie Schroeder of Spokane and step-grandchildren, Michelle (Matt) Sevigny, Jenna (Patrick) Flumerfelt, Jeremiah (Kendra) Garcia and Jayden Guin-Anthony.

A special Thanks goes to the entire staff at Cottage In The Meadow for their brief, but outstanding care, respect, dignity and understanding they gave to Bill and our family.

A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00pm, Thursday, January 8th at Rainier Memorial Center in Terrace Heights with a hosted reception. Burial will immediately follow the reception where he will be laid to rest with family in the Terrace Heights Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions can be made to Washington State Athletics Foundation, any pet rescue or other organization of your choice, c/o Keith & Keith.

To share a memory of Bill, please visit www.keithandkeith.com