Contributions to the tribute of Paul Walter Schroeder

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Thursday, January 14, 2021

Uncle Paul was one of those very remarkable and positively special people in this world who make a quiet impact on all of the folks fortunate to spend time with him. I was lucky to hang out with Uncle Paul & Aunt Vi almost every year of my childhood when they visited Fla, bringing Susie & Jan to see our Grandma. Uncle Paul was always fit & active. On an Indian Rocks Beach sort-of-family- reunion-holiday, I remember observing Uncle Paul swimming “laps” in the gulf-of-Mexico! We took an overseas trip to visit Paul & Vi while they were living in England- it was a Really big deal for me in my pre-teen years and a wonderful memory! I also got to know Uncle Paul through my Moms eyes, as her beloved older brother. My Mom was so awed by Pauls mind & intellect - and even more so by his insight and application of his knowledge/expertise- but most importantly, because of Pauls unconditional love, support & guidance that he provided to her throughout her life, - even as a kid, growing up. Both Paul & Vi are such good conversationalists, though not chatty (like me!), and I have so many good memories of chats with Uncle Paul - there were always so many things that I always wanted to ask to get his wise and worldly thoughts/opinions- but usually, because , I’m probably blabbing the whole time & my questions go unasked, only coming back to my mind later on. Paul (& Vi) is an exceptional listener, too. Eli has had Pauls big blue book on Crimean War in his bathroom this past week, reading instead of iPhone browsing. Eli has a great love of history, like my mom, and certainly Uncle Paul! We miss you Uncle Paul! We will all miss Uncle Paul- a truly wise & wonderful man in this big world. I hope he & my Mom & Grandma/Grandpa, Rupert, Johnny, Walter & Eleanor are together, smiling down on us. I am smiling, just thinking of that!

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Ann Austin posted a condolence

Sunday, December 13, 2020

Paul was such an entertaining person to talk to, and always had something interesting to say. He was also a wonderful cook, and when I was ill a couple of years ago, Vi brought over the most wonderful, tasty chicken dish he'd made. My last chat with him was about a week before he died and I'd gone over to see if he was OK (Vi was in Anthony at the time) and he came to the door wearing his apron as he was cooking a lovely lunch for himself. And when we had our outside neighborhood gatherings on sunny days, he always contributed some sort of small tarts with a home made filling. A lovely man, and a wonderful cook!

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Katherine B. Aaslestad posted a condolence

Sunday, December 13, 2020

I had the privilege of working with Professor Paul Schroeder as his graduate student between 1985 and 1997. I started off as his Research Assistant during my first year of graduate training. I learned so much from him that year about thorough research, critical reading, and meticulous notetaking. I also learned so much by listening to him talk through the organization of his manuscript or the article he was working on. Likewise, I loved his courses and benefitted enormously from his lectures and the very sneaky questions he would put to us about the topic of the day, often turning the conventional response on its head with a dizzying display of his analysis! I spent years researching and writing my dissertation and he supported me unconditionally during that time—encouraging me and pushing me forward without stress. I want to add that I had three surprise pregnancies—one in Germany during my doctoral research and two later when I was writing, and he always celebrated them and never questioned my ability to finish my dissertation or made me feel like a loser graduate student. Not many male academics (esp. of his generation) would have responded with such support and generosity. He was a source of strength for me all those years as well as a role model for intellectual vigor, applying historical analysis to current times—displaying its relevancy on many levels—and a role model as a professor, mentor, and writer. I wish I wrote as well as he did and could leave behind such a rich intellectual legacy to the field of History as he did. His kindness and warmth and humor were also a central part of his personality and I am so lucky to have known that side of him too. He blessed so many of us. My deepest condolences to his family, whom he loved so dearly. Katherine Aaslestad

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jan schroeder posted a condolence

Saturday, December 12, 2020

I wrote the following for Dad's 90th birthday. I think it's worth repeating. "In order to keep my remarks brief, I am going to recount only some of his gifts and influences. An entire accounting of all the things for which I am thankful would take too long. First and foremost, faith. For baptizing me, for raising Susie and me in the Christian faith, for your many sermons, your living example of a godly life, and your loving service to the Church. For imparting to me a love of words and books and appreciation for intellectual pursuits. For teaching me to throw a ball properly. For embodying and teaching the virtues of delayed gratification and thrifty living. For passing on your love of classical music, even if I can't like Brahms or Mahler as much as you do. For introducing me to movies at such a tender age that I have been hooked ever since. For your love of tennis. Even though I never had the wrists to make it to Wimbledon, it is still the only sport I enjoy watching. For your sense of humor. For the puns, good and bad; for the limericks you wrote to us in letters and recited on car trips; for your own versions of Fractured Fairy Tales (Cindersmeller and her magic roller skates); for introducing me to Bob & Ray. And last, but not least, for your ongoing love and care and support. To Dad: long life, hang by your thumbs, and write if you get work." I loved you more than I could ever properly express. Enjoy your rest in God's loving arms until we meet again. Jan

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Dave Sreit posted a condolence

Saturday, December 12, 2020

In many ways, it might be a good exercise to write our own obituary as a goal to strive towards. How would we like to be remembered and what did we do in life that will last for all time. Paul and Vi were and are very dear friends to Cathy and I throughout our lives. They have always been a source of encouragement and optimism. I believe Paul embodied his Christian faith and had a profound impact on those who encountered him in life. I will always recall how much we enjoyed attending the symphony with Paul and Vi in Champaign. They were always very generous to include us and make us feel welcome. Not even Rudolph the Red knew reindeer like Paul. Can't wait to meet again Dave and Cathy

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Susie posted a condolence

Thursday, December 10, 2020

I am so thankful to the Lord God for a father who taught me the love of great classical music, was so generous to me and my children, and spent the last years of his life in State College shopping, cooking and preparing meals for his wife Vi, of 70+ years. His great delight was to serve her nutritious meals, tastefully displayed on the plate, complete with garnishes. His specialty was pies or tarts, mostly apple/mince or loaves of banana bread which he shared often with Foxdale Village neighbors. I could not beat his pie crust! My heart overflows with thankfulness for the opportunity to have my mom and dad live less than 3 miles from me for the last 3 years. Dad asked me countless times to join them for dinner. We had many wonderful meals together-- in their cottage, in my home , or my families' favorite-- Foxdale's cafeteria with almost endless possibilities for the grandchildren! I also loved the way he dressed up for any special occasion... with suit, tie, dress slacks, and his hair always combed meticulously-- looking very dapper! I loved his rosy pink cheeks which reminded me of his mother, Elfreida Schroeder, my beloved Grandma Schroeder. His absence leaves a big void in my life and I miss him terribly, but I look forward to seeing him again in Eternity. Rev. 21: 1-4 May God be praised for all His gifts.

Paul Walter Schroeder

1927 - 2020

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