Raymond "Ray" Schroer

Raymond Smith Schroer, beloved husband, stepfather and grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home, January 16, 2022, following a massive seizure and complications of Parkinson’s disease.  His Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 12, 1:30 PM at Morningside Lutheran Church.  Visitation will take place prior to and immediately following the service.

Raymond, son of Clemens and Beulah Schroer, was born in Bucyrus, Ohio, October 4, 1942.  He grew up in Upper Sandusky and graduated from Tiffin, Ohio High School.  He then majored in Marketing and Business at Ohio State University, graduating in 1964. Following graduation, he received his commission as an officer in the United States Army.  He served in Korea, earning the rank of First Lieutenant. His time serving our country was very important to him.  

He began his civilian career working for Standard Oil of Ohio and later as Manager of Agricultural Chemicals for Vistron Corporation, a subsidiary of SOHIO. He participated in the MBA program at Gannon College, Erie, Pa.  In January, 1977, he joined Terra Chemicals in Sioux City, Iowa, and continued with Terra for more than 30 years until his retirement.

In 1985 he was joined in marriage to Kathryn Christians Sikma Schroer and was welcomed as step-father by her two children, Shannon Sikma and Rob Sikma.  After the children married and started families of their own, he was a devoted grandfather to four grandchildren who called him “Papa Ray”. 

He and Kathryn were members of Morningside Lutheran Church which was an important part of their lives.  He served on the RiverCade board for many years.  He loved boating, owned a sailboat and motor craft spending happy years particularly on the Missouri River.  His Ohio ties were important to him- he remained a devoted Buckeye supporter, particularly the football team. He had played tuba in his marching band, and always enjoyed seeing “Script Ohio” on the Ohio State football field.  

Raymond is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Kathryn, two step children:  Shannon (Carl) Evenstad and their daughters, Lily and Lorelai of Easton, Connecticut, and Robert (Shelly) Sikma and their children, Ella and Jacob, of Bellflower, California.  He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.  

He loved to tell the story (many times to his dear Hospice staff who always listened patiently) of how his dad called him a “cookie bum” when he was very young.  His love of all things cookie continued throughout his life.  Please plan to join us for cookies and coffee in his honor after the service.  

We give special thanks to the staff and aides who cared for him with such devotion during his illness.  We request those who wish to make a charitable donation to please remember HOSPICE OF SIOUXLAND, who made a difficult situation not only bearable but even a time of happiness for us.