Raymond Earl Schroeder Sr., 82, of Stewartville, passed away peacefully Friday, April 25, 2014 at the Stewartville Care Center.

Raymond was born Aug. 19, 1931, in Austin to Henry and Ida (Earl) Schroeder. He was a graduate of Austin High School. On July 9, 1954, Raymond married Irene Morseth at the Minneola Lutheran Church in Goodhue County. Raymond was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving during the Korean War and Vietnam. He made a career with the military and spent 20 years in the U.S. Air Force. Raymond was stationed in many places including, Texas, New Mexico, England, Turkey, Wisconsin and numerous other Air Force bases throughout the world. Raymond retired from the Air Force in 1972. He was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church and the American Legion. Raymond enjoyed fishing, hunting and his ham radio. Above all, Raymond loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his children Raymond Jr. (Katherine) of Spring Valley, Marianne (Kerry) Amy of Rochester, Martin (Rockelle) of Watauga, Texas, Darrel (Lisa) of Rochester, Terry “Twink” (Sara) of Rochester, Cynthia (Mark) Krahn of Rochester; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; one step- great-grandchild; brother, Duane (Marian) of Albert Lea and numerous nieces and nephews. Raymond was preceded in death by his loving wife, Irene; daughter, Karen Luster; granddaughter, Marsha Schroeder; two brothers, Paul and Darrel; sister, Helen, and by his parents, Henry and Ida.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday and one hour prior to the service on Friday at the funeral home. The Rev. David Hoot will be officiating with interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. To share a condolence or special memory, visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.