Jacob Schroeder

          Jacob William Schroeder set off on his journey Home three days after his 93rd birthday, leaving his wife Patricia of 68 years, and his three children Sue-Anne, Sandra (Gary Lukas), and Dennis to grieve the huge hole his absence leaves, but feeling a sense of relief that he is no longer suffering.

          Jake's legendary quirkiness - the jaunty feather in his cap, his stories, his practical jokes and sense of humour will be missed by his sisters-in-law, Jean (Bud) Schroeder, Phyllis (Donald) Case, Hazel (Morley) Crockford, Marion (Bob) Kerslake, as well as many nieces and nephews, neighbours and friends.  He was predeceased by parents Bill and Selma Schroeder, siblings Corky (Audrey), Anne (Fred) Smith and Bud (Jean), as well as several more Kerslake brothers – in - law and sisters – in - law.

          Born on the family farm, Jake was the 4th generation of Schroeder's to work the land.  He and Patricia dedicated their lives to preserving it as the Schroeder homestead.  They made it into an idyllic place to grow up in for their children, and kids of family and friends who spent time there.   Many memorable gatherings were hosted by Jake and Patricia over the years, and everyone knew they could just drop in for an impromptu visit and be invited to sit around the kitchen table or on the back porch, with a libation of tea, coffee, or homebrew - unless it was planting, harvest or milking time: Jake always made sure the work was done before the fun began.

          Jake spent countless hours in his shed workshop welding, repairing, patching, recycling, and reusing farm equipment that most people would have sent to the junkyard.  He would tinker with cast off objects such as old furnace grates, pullies, old clocks and phones and ingeniously craft them into practical everyday items still in use.  He turned tree stumps and roots, broken gates and cattle stanchions into rustic and aesthetic garden decor just for the fun and quirkiness of it.  We will miss his wide grin as he proudly showed off his latest creation.

          Jake was, and the family is, deeply grateful for the friendship he enjoyed and the care he received from Patti Clark, Tracey Dougall, Elza Groot, Denise Batten, and Tom and Rose Mulligan.  The family is especially grateful for the unending care and support Jake received from the Staff and Management of the Exeter Villa, and from Dr Lam.

          A Celebration of life will take place on Sunday September 21, 2025,  from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m., at the Exeter Golf Club  - Barn Restaurant, 40374 Kirkton Road, Centralia Ontario  NOM 1K0.   We invite all family and friends who have special memories of Jake to write them and send them to us at this email address: saeschroeder@gmail.com     Your memories will be read and shared at the Celebration of Life.

Wareing Cremation Services, 225 Norwich Ave., Woodstock, Ontario has been entrusted with Final Arrangements.  Your messages of condolence may be shared here at www.wareingcremation.ca