Ed Schroedter

May 20, 1921 – April 29, 2018

From the 95th BG Memorials Foundation Facebook page:

With heavy hearts, the Memorials Foundation and the Heritage Association report that Ed Schroedter of Tulsa, OK, left formation on 29 April 2018 at age 96. Ed was a 335th tail and waist gunner who was wounded in action. He departed this life peacefully. Folded wings.

Ed was born on 20 May 1921 in Milwaukee, WI, to Edward John Schroedter and Catherine (Baeirl) Schroedter. Ed was married to Frances Jafferis until her death. Together, Frances and Ed raised their three children, Greg (deceased), Kathy, and Tom.

Ed, reads his obituary, “earned his bachelor’s degree from Marquette University in 1947 after completing his military service in World War II. Upon graduation, he began teaching at Milwaukee School of Engineering in the evening division and at Marquette University. 

“After enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps, Ed served our country from 1943 to 1945 in World War II as a tail gunner, flying 35 missions over Germany in a B-17. He also served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1951 to 1952. For his military service, Ed earned a Bronze Star for heroic achievement and a Silver Star for bravery in action.

“After leaving the academic world in 1949, Ed began his career in industrial relations, culminating with his tenure at Outboard Marine Corporation as a Corporate Officer. During his career, Ed worked extensively in all areas of human resources with his primary interest in strategic planning and personnel problem solving. During that time, he served in numerous community service roles and also served as Chairman of the Board of Lake Forest College School of Management.

“After the death of his beloved wife Frances, Ed moved to Tulsa where he met and married Dianne Cline in 1999. Together they spent 19 wonderful years enjoying each other, sharing their love with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren (who affectionately called him 'Booka'). 

“He was preceded in death by a brother, Howard. Ed is survived by his wife Dianne; his daughter Kathy; a son, Tom, and his wife Peggy; grandsons Andy (Lindsay), Paul (Haley) and Philip; a granddaughter, Emily; and great-grandchildren Theo, Sophia, Luke and Libby; stepson Jay (Janice) Cline and their two daughters, Mariel and Olivia; and stepdaughter Laura (Donnie) Lehman and their four children, Mason, Josie, Claire and Kate.

“Ed’s life was a life well lived. He always displayed grace, love, and a positive outlook on life. He was a true gentleman, always impeccably attired. He established enduring friendships over his lifetime and was a role model to family and friends. He was a devoted and loyal father and husband.

“Ed’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to those who took such comforting care of him during his final days, particularly the clergy at St. John’s Episcopal Church, the staff at Clarehouse and the staff at First Call.

“A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. Friday, May 18th, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Tulsa, OK, followed by a reception at the Church. Donations in Ed’s name may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 4200 S. Atlanta Place, Tulsa, OK 74105; Clarehouse, 7617 S. Mingo Road, Tulsa, OK 74133 or Saint Simeon’s Home 3701 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Tulsa, OK 74106.”