Robert "Bob" P. Schroeder

On October 4th, 2026, Robert Paul Schroeder, age 85, passed peacefully at his longtime residence on Lexington Drive. Robert was born and raised in Manitowoc, son of Alvin and Pauline Schoeder. Robert was the eldest and protective brother of his younger sisters, Mary and Judy. Robert attended Immanuel Lutheran Grade School and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1959. Robert spent his youth fishing the lakes and hunting the fields in the surrounding Manitowoc area.

Shortly after graduating, Robert enlisted in the United States Army as a Military Policeman and was stationed at Fort Gordon, GA. During this time, Robert met a young lady named Gayle at a USO dance. Gayle caught Robert's eye and he was smitten. Robert courted Gayle only a short time before asking her to be his wife. They were married in a one-room church in Gayle's hometown of Bartow, GA. This began a 65-year marriage which only ended after Gayle's death in November 2025.

After ending his enlistment, Robert and his new bride, Gayle, moved back to Manitowoc. Shortly after his return to the area, Robert was hired by the Manitowoc Police Department in 1962. He went on to serve the community and citizens of Manitowoc for 37 years. During his distinguished career with Manitowoc PD, he held the position of Patrol Officer, Motorcycle Officer and finally, Sargeant. It was during this time he gained his nickname of “Smiley” and anyone who knew him would attest to the contrary nature of the name.

Robert and Gayle were blessed and cursed with two sassy boys shortly after moving back to Manitowoc. First Paul and then Mark.

And because a full-time job and family wasn't enough, together Bob and Gayle decided to purchase Don Olohues Drycleaners, 1010 Menasha Ave. They turned the drycleaners into a woodworker's paradise and started Manitowoc Woodworking Company in 1977, becoming Bob's pride and joy. Bob spent the better part of 40 years, working during the afternoons as a public servant and his days producing wood products for A&J Van, Kelvinator, and other local businesses. Robert supervised Paul and Mark from afar as they kept the machines running while Bob was at work as an officer. As time went by, the company slowly transformed from an active business into "The Shop." While Robert continued to make custom furniture and repair just about any form of wood item, "The Shop" became a place known for its peace, order, and comradery. A place where friends and former co-workers could stop without notice, catch up, reminisce, gossip, and of course engage in political banter.

As busy as life was while raising their sons, Robert and Gayle always made time for family vacations and new adventures. From loading up a small RV and traveling for 3-weeks across the western US, to weekends "Up Nort" in the Dunbar area, where Robert instilled in his sons a love for hunting grouse and deer, to trips into the Canadian wilderness, where fish was on the menu if you wanted to eat dinner. There was always something going on in the Schroeder house.

As stated before, Robert was affectionately known as Smiley, which was due to the ever-present scowl on his face. This stoic look however hid a very soft and emotional underside. From the handwritten thank you notes and words of encouragement, to the phone calls to just "check in" on friends and family, Robert was a truly loving man. So soft and loving to his grandchildren that they were able to convince him to say "I love you" in return. Even after Gayle's passing in 2025, Robert continued to write cards to her on special occasions, placing them around her picture, with messages about how much she was missed.

Dad was simply "old school," the kind of grumpy old man that everyone on the block knew to watch out for, but who would also bend over backwards for them if they needed anything. Even into his 80's he would get out to snow blow and shovel the neighbors' driveways and sidewalks, to take care of the "old people." Robert was a proud American and unrepentant conservative. A stoic individual with love for his country, his community, but most of all his family. He has left a hole that will be felt for decades to come, an irreplaceable man.

He was preceded in death by his wife Gayle (Smith) Schroeder; mother and father, Alvin and Pauline Schroeder; his sister, Judy Gadner of Seattle, WA; and grandson Colton Schroeder. He is remembered with love by his sons, Paul (Kathy) Schroeder of Two Rivers and Mark (Miranda Check) Schroeder of Manitowoc; his sister Mary (Dick) Orth; his grandchildren Brooke (Ryan) Dalton of Two Rivers, Jared Schroeder of Green Bay, Haelee (Logan) Tlachac of Two Rivers, Tyler (Kelly) Bauer of Denmark; his great-grandchildren Beverly Dalton and Hunter Tlachac; as well as sister-in-law Kay Meeks of Augusta, GA and extended family Heather (Jake Haag) Schroeder of Mishicot.

Visitation will be held at Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 N. Water St., Manitowoc, on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. The Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m. and officiated by Rev. Brian Schley. Following the service, there will be a procession to Evergreen Cemetery where Military Honors will be provided by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 731. A luncheon will follow at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 N. Water St. In lieu of flowers, memorials to The Manitowoc Professional Police Association in Bob’s name are appreciated.