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Rev. Theodore William Schroeder

The Reverend Theodore (Ted) William Schroeder (83) was tragically killed in a traffic accident on Wednesday afternoon, April 15, 2020. Ted was born on February 19, 1937 to Henry and Mary Schroeder in Coal Valley, Illinois, the 5th of 7 children.

 

After graduating from Orion High School he attended Valparaiso University, where he excelled as a student and an athlete, setting several school track and field running records before graduating in 1958 with a degree in Religion, specializing in youth leadership training. 

 

For the next 15 years, he served congregations in Florida, California, Virginia and New York as the Director of Christian Education and Youth Ministry. While in California, he met Linda Gerling and they were married in 1962. Their marriage was blessed with three sons, Mark (1963), Joel (1964) and Christopher (1965). 

 

They moved from New York to St. Louis, Missouri in 1973 where Ted entered Seminary and was ordained a Lutheran Minister in 1975. He soon began serving Immanuel Lutheran Church in North St. Louis where he was known as a pastor for the people and became a champion of civil rights and social justice. During his 28 year ministry at Immanuel Lutheran, his causes included Prisoner Family Services, AIDS Outreach and Education, Children’s Ministry, the Sanctuary Movement which supported shelter of Salvadoran refugees, criminal justice ministry and reform and labor justice, to name a few. He and Linda worked harmoniously in many of these passions.  Upon their retirement in 2006, proclamations were issued by their mayor, state senator and US House Representative declaring March 12 as “Ted and Linda Schroeder Day” in honor of their deeply committed service to the community. 

 

In retirement, they moved to Kansas City and continued social justice advocacy work with organizations such as Jobs with Justice, Stand Up KC/Fight for Fifteen and Missourians Against the Death Penalty. They also served as Youth Friends at the Indian Creek Elementary School. They became integral members of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection- Prairie Village where they worked with several ministries and Ted continued to preach on several occasions.  

 

Ted and Linda shared their love for gardening, rescuing golf balls from Indian Creek and creating crafts from found materials. They were gracious hosts for many church, family and neighborhood gatherings.

 

Ted is survived by Linda his wife of 58 years; his sons Mark (Christina) of Dublin, CA; Joel (Lisa) of Overland Park, KS; and Christopher (Maria Claudia) of San Diego, CA; eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.  

 

His smile and gentle spirit will be missed greatly by all who knew him. 

 

His family praises God for the gift that Ted was to them and to the world.

 

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection-Prairie Village (www.lcrpv.org).

 
Send Condolences

Condolences

Don McClain Apr 19, 2020

Colleague and Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

My best friend in Kansas City. I don't have words to express my grief at this time. Linda, count on my support.

Pat Schroeder Apr 19, 2020

friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

It was a privilege to know Ted. His ministry is an inspiration and a blessing to many people. In spite of an on-going argument about how to pronounce "Schroeder", we were glad to see Linda and Ted at various local events. We especially appreciated their sharing some plants from their yard with us years ago. They continue to flower.

Greg & Erin Apr 19, 2020

Friends & Neighbors ,Kansas City ,Missouri

We are so sorry about Ted. Greg will especially miss the over-the-fence chats about gardening, golf ball hunting, and life. Much love to you Linda. We are here for you!

Don Wilson Apr 19, 2020

Good friend & Retired clergy colleague ,Overland Park ,Kansas

It is such a jolt to learn of Ted's sudden death. He was one of the most dedicated servants of the Lord in witnessing for social justice that I have ever known. To all of us in the Retired Clergy of All Faiths monthly fellowship he was our champion and our leader. To Linda and the family, may you be upheld and strengthened by God's grace and love through these hours and days. Ted was indeed a gift to the communities in which he has lived. God's blessings to all.

Jane VanSant Apr 19, 2020

Ted and Linda have been great inspirations, giving me hope as I age that I can continue to make a contribution. Ted has been such a kind, caring, intelligent and thoughtful gentleman. I will miss him. Linda - I hope I can be there for you as you and Ted were for me. My heartfelt sympathy. Jane

Ann C Johnson Apr 19, 2020

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

It is almost impossible to think of a world without Ted. He was such a caring, committed individual who always inspired us with his intellect, his work, his warm and radiant smile.

Kathy Nardoni Apr 19, 2020

Niece ,Hudson ,New Hampshire

There are no words for how sad I feel, but Uncle Ted was always smiling and he would have a story to tell and someone to help. He was such a gift to us as a family. Now we must take what we learned from him and pass it on to the next generation. Thank you Uncle Ted and Aunt Linda for sharing your gifts with us. May God’s peace be with you.

Judy Ancel Apr 19, 2020

fellow activist ,Kansas City ,Kansas

To Linda, I'm deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of Ted and your injury. It's such terrible news in the midst of a terrible time. I know Ted always radiated warmth and affection for all who knew him. I'm trying to emulate that. He was one of our very early activists in KC Jobs with Justice and helped shape us. I'll miss him a lot and certainly hope that you, Linda, continue to be a part of JwJ. Let me know if there's anything I can do.

Gale Martin Apr 19, 2020

friend of family ,Racine ,Wisconsin

So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and Art and your families.

Anne Morisseau Apr 19, 2020

Friend ,Port Townsend ,Washington

Dear Linda, Mark, Joel and Christopher, Dad (Kenneth), KC are so sorry for your loss. Although it has been many years, we've never forgotten you and the time we spent together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Cayetana Maristela Apr 19, 2020

friend ,St.Joseph ,Missouri

My prayers and sympathy for Linda and the extended Schroeder family. Mr. Ted and Ms. Linda were faithful Center Friends who served the children and staff at Indian Creek Elementary School for years. We loved Thursdays more because the Schroeders were there. Countless children became better readers and math students because of the Schroeders' tutelage. I remember one Parade of Nations when they taught us a song. Mr. Ted brought things for "show and share" which broadened our minds. Mr. Ted will be in our hearts forever.

Ira Harritt Apr 19, 2020

Friend & Fellow Activest ,Kansas City ,Missouri

So sorry to learn of Ted's death. A great loss of a man who over and over made his life make a difference working for justice. Love to Linda and family. Peace

Janet Weiblen Apr 20, 2020

Colleague and Friend ,Merriam ,Kansas

Having met Ted in St. Louis, I was so delighted years later to renew our acquaintance in KC. He was helpful to me as I became a pastor and I am grateful. My condolences to the family and most particularly to Linda as she struggles with the loss of Ted and her own injury. God's many blessings.

Cecilia Evelyn Belser-Patton Apr 20, 2020

Friend ,Raytown ,Missouri

Sending sincere condolences to Linda on Rev Ted's transition to his Heavenly Father. I am praying God's Grace, Mercy, Compassion and Comfort during this time.

Vanessa Crawford Aragon Apr 20, 2020

fellow activist ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Linda and family, I am so sorry for your great loss. I was honored to get to know Rev. Ted through his activism in Jobs with Justice, and always appreciated his kind and energetic presence. I will remember him as a hard-working and joyful witness for justice. My prayers for peace and comfort are with you.

Yvonne Berard and Marian Nielsen Apr 20, 2020

Church friends ,Overland Park ,Kansas

We are heartsick over the loss of Ted. We will miss him terribly! There is no doubt about where he is now! Singing with the angels. We will also miss his pumpkin soup. Love and hugs to you Linda and family.

Bob & Mary Jacobi Apr 21, 2020

Friends ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Nobody is nicer than Ted and Linda—except when they faced injustice. Their passion for people who need help-and for each other-has been inspirational. We will greatly miss Ted’s openness, intelligence and compassion. Linda we are so sorry and pray for a speedy recovery. We are grateful to have known Ted.

DENA DE SIMONE SEXTRO Apr 21, 2020

Friend ,KANSAS CITY ,Missouri

My prayers and sympathies to you Linda and your family, and to all of us who are mourning Ted. Ted has provided me and so many with inspiration, laughs, and knowledge. His determination and passion for all he believed in has paved a lifelong pathway for so many of us to follow. Peace to you, Linda and your family.

The Rev. Dr. Teresa Danieley Apr 21, 2020

I am sending my prayers and love to Ted's family and friends. As a fellow worker/minister for social justice, I am grateful for Ted's life, ministry and legacy - especially everything he did for and with Missouri Jobs with Justice.

Justin Stein Apr 21, 2020

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

I am heartbroken at the news of Rev. Ted's passing. My prayers and love go to Linda and the family. Please let me know if there's anything I can do. Ted and Linda graciously opened their home to me when I first moved to Kansas City. I lived with them for a week while I got settled into a new town. They showed me the same kindness they extended to everyone around them, and the entire world.

Mary Schantz Apr 21, 2020

Friend ,Jefferson City ,Missouri

Linda, Losing Ted leaves a hole in all of our lives, the community, and every organization and cause that he fought for. You and Ted were such a wonderful team. Peter and I marveled at your work together. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Mary

Tara Howard Apr 22, 2020

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Mr. Ted and Ms. Linda make me want to be a better person. I met Ted when he started volunteering in a friend's 2nd grade classroom at Indian Creek. He showed me what it meant to show Christ's love and what it looked like to ministry without using His name. I never told Ted the influence he had on my heart, my life and my instruction as a teacher. But something tells me he wouldn't have taken credit for it if I had told him. I will forever carry Ted's positive influence with me in my interaction with my students. I look forward to talking and working with you, again, Linda. My deepest sympathy and prayers.

Douglas W Smith Apr 23, 2020

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

I will miss him very much at the demonstrations for justice and peace and Retired Clergy meetings. Sincere condolences to Linda and the family.

Jill (Leopold) Preston Apr 23, 2020

distant relative of Linda ,Sun Prairie, WI

Dear Linda, We are so very sorry to hear of your accident and the loss of Ted. We've met at family funerals (Laura & Buddy Ramsey) where you and Ted shared your gifts of faith and music. We send heartfelt sympathy and will be keeping you and your family in prayer. Sincerely, Jill (Leopold) and Jeff Preston.

Bob kerr Apr 24, 2020

retired clergy ,kansas city ,Missouri

Linda, yours is such a tragic loss--it takes my breath away. Ted was such a warm, welcoming gentleman--a man of God. A man of justice and peace. Know that you and your family and friends are in my daily thoughts and prayers.

Karen Westbrooks Apr 25, 2020

Dear Linda, I was devastated when Heidi told me about the tragic accident you suffered that resulted in the loss of your Ted. You both made marriage look so easy! Life will be dramatically different for you. Please know that there are many, perhaps multitudes who love you and remember the positive impact that you and Ted made on their lives. Only God knows your pain. Peace be with you . . .

Angela Price May 22, 2020

Friend-School Principal ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Mr. Schroeder was a faithful and dedicated volunteer at Indian Creek Elementary School for many years. He and his wife, Mrs. Schroeder have been a blessing to our school. They were a dynamic duo! Mr. Ted (as the students affectionately called him), will be greatly missed! We are so grateful for all that he did to support our youth! He was truly a blessing. Love Dr. Price