Cletus H. “Buddy” Schroeder, age 96, of Germantown, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at his home. He was born April 22, 1929, in Bartelso, a son of the late Henry and Caroline (nee Eilers) Schroeder.
Buddy married the love of his life, Dolores Ann “Peppy” (nee Pille) Schroeder on April 26, 1950, and together they shared 61 wonderful years before her passing on May 11, 2011. In addition to his wife and parents, Buddy was preceded in death by his son, Allan Schroeder; grandchildren, Cody Schroeder, Tina Becker, and Brennan Schroeder; great-grandchildren, Lucas Schuessler and Leila Harmon; siblings, Elizabeth Frances (Oscar) Wiecking, Alvina (Henry) Heet, Laurentine (Henry) Koczer, Frank (Agnes) Schroeder, Alvin (Wilhemina) Schroeder, Cornelia (Art) Schomaker, Edward (Dorothy) Schroeder, Henry (Joan) Schroeder, and Adeline Schroeder (infancy); father-in-law and mother-in-law, George and Frances (nee Heidemann) Pille; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Rosemary (Ervin) Winkeler, Ruth (Louis) Winter, Joan (Donald) Hintz, Mildred (Bob) Dollard, and Richard (Virginia) Pille.
Buddy is survived by his children, Jerry (Coleen) Schroeder of Germantown, Joyce (Wayne Wuebbles) Becker of Bartelso, Jim (Dianne) Schroeder of Bartelso, Mike (Karen) Schroeder of Germantown, and Cletus (Ann) Schroeder of Germantown; daughter-in-law, Donna Schroeder of Bartelso; grandchildren, Chris (Tammy) Schroeder, Brad (Heidi) Schroeder, Aric (Andrea) Schroeder, Matt (Alli) Schroeder, Daniel (special friend, Heather Strotheide) Becker, Theresa (Brett) Schuessler, Michele (fiancé, Frank Lancia) Becker, Brett (Amy) Schroeder, Adam Schroeder, Tara (Gary) Rosen, Cambryn Baker, Shauna (Ryan) Heely, Alicia (Kyle) Rodgers, Hannah (Andrew) Harmon, Braden (special friend, Abby Braundmeier) Schroeder, Jenna (Joe) Falconio, Kayla (Chad) Barnes, Landon (Madeline) Schroeder, and Kenzie (special friend, Austin Baker) Schroeder; thirty-four great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Buddy retired from Granite City Steel after many years of dedicated work as a lubricator. He was a faithful member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Germantown. Buddy and Peppy shared a love for simple pleasures, especially taking Sunday drives together. He also had a lifelong passion for horses, spending many years riding and training them. When his sons were young, he was an active leader in the Boy Scouts, proudly guiding them through the program. Above all, Buddy cherished his family and treasured every moment spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
In keeping with Buddy’s wishes, his body was anatomically donated for medical research. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Germantown with Fr. Thomas Lugge presiding.
Visitation will be Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Germantown.
In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to St. Boniface Cemetery or Residential Hospice and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, PO Box 117 Germantown, IL 62245, who is serving the family.
