Cleo K. Schroeder — described by her family as “a happy, jovial person” — died on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016, at her home in Normal, Illinois. She was 94.

She was born on March 15, 1922, the daughter of William Curtis and Nellie Rachel Buzzard. Mrs. Schroeder was born and raised on the family farm in Fayette County, Illinois.

She graduated from a country grade school and later from Altamont High School. Cleo attended the University of Illinois and later cosmetology school in Urbana, Illinois.

She worked during World War II in the clerical field in Washington, D.C. and later relocated to a position at Chanute Air Force Base; she also worked at Ft. Benning during the war.

She married Kenneth L. Schroeder on May 30, 1943 in Urbana, Illinois and began family management and being a full-time housewife. “Her first 10 years of married life as husband Ken’s companion was at various United States locations during World War II and Korea,” her family wrote in a tribute. In 1947, they located to Normal, Illinois, which became their permanent home.

Mrs. Schroeder was a member of First United Methodist Church in Normal and was an avid bridge and tennis player.

“Cleo was loved and will be sorely missed by all,” her family wrote.

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She is survived by her husband, Ken Schroeder, of Normal, Illinois; her children, Margery Moogk and her husband, Gary of Seattle, Washington, Gerry E. Schroeder and his wife, Vicky, of Roswell, Georgia, and Mark C. Schroeder and his wife, Barbara, of Denver, Colorado; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Her parents died before her, as did five siblings — Ward Buzzard, Helen Shelton, Lila Goodson, Dwight Buzzard, and Forrest Buzzard.

Calling hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 14, at Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington, Illinois. A private family entombment will be at East Lawn Mausoleum in Bloomington with Pastor Kent King-Nobles officiating. Mourners may leave online condolences at kiblerbradyruestman.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 211 North School St., Normal, IL 61761.