Joan Kay (Schaefer) Schroeder

OTTAWA – Joan Kay (Schaefer) Schroeder, 87, of Ottawa, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at home surrounded by her loved ones.

Joan was born on August 18, 1939, to Carl and Velta (Coomer) Schaefer. She grew up on the family farm near Payne, Ohio, alongside her siblings: Robert Schaefer, Marge (John) Elden, Susan (Richard) Waring, and Linda (Rick) Stoller. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Bob, and her sister Susan.

Joan attended St. John the Baptist School (now Divine Mercy) in Payne, Ohio through the eighth grade, and graduated from Payne High School. After working for a year to save money for college, she enrolled at Bowling Green State University in the Cadet Teaching program.

While at Bowling Green, Joan met her college sweetheart and the love of her life, Clyde Schroeder. The two were married at St. John the Baptist Church in Payne, Ohio, on February 2, 1963. Following their wedding, Joan and Clyde moved to Chicago, Illinois, and began their married life together.

In 1964, Joan and Clyde returned to Ohio and settled in a suburb of Columbus, where they began their family. In 1972, the couple returned to Clyde’s hometown of Ottawa, Ohio. It was here that they made their home and raised their family.

During their marriage, Joan and Clyde were blessed with four children: Jan Powell, Joe (Kim) Schroeder, Matt (Lisa) Schroeder, and Todd (Rachel) Schroeder. Their family grew to include 14 grandchildren: Tyler Powell, Hilary (Matt) Harmon, Aaron Powell, Zachary Powell, Andrew (Madison) Schroeder, Elizabeth (Theo) DeRosa, Danielle Schroeder, Will Schroeder, Brooke Schroeder, Emma Schroeder, Alex Schroeder, Kate Schroeder, Jacob Schroeder, and Leah Schroeder; and one great-grandchild, Eleanor DeRosa.

Joan retired from Ottawa Elementary School after dedicating 35 years to teaching. She loved teaching and was often described as the quintessential teacher. A lifelong learner, Joan embraced every aspect of her profession and was always eager to learn and grow. Throughout her career, she taught several grade levels, from kindergarten through sixth grade, as well as Reading Recovery. Joan was also a Jennings Scholar.

Beyond her family and career, Joan had a love of travel and adventure. She and Clyde enjoyed many vacations together, often joined by family, extended family, and friends. One particularly memorable trip was a journey Joan helped to organize, which included Clyde, her sisters, brother-in-law, and dear cousins, visiting the towns in Germany where her great-grandparents had lived before emigrating to the United States.

Joan also loved being involved in her community and enjoyed participating in a variety of clubs, activities, and hobbies throughout the years. Among them were Mothers Club, Toastmistress, the Red Hat Society, the Golden Steppers, and a card club that brought friends together for more than 30 years.

But Joan was happiest when surrounded by her family. No family gathering was complete without her special touch. Whether making sure everyone’s favorite desserts were on hand, organizing sleepovers and talent shows for her grandchildren, or putting “Grandma’s Easter Egg Hunt,” Joan had a gift for making ordinary moments memorable. She took great joy in bringing people together and creating traditions that her family will carry forward.

Joan leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories and a legacy of kindness, humor, generosity, and love. Above all, she created a strong and lasting family bond that will continue through the generations. Her family and friends will forever cherish the love she gave so freely, and the many special moments she helped to create.

Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 5, 2026, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa with Fr. Scott Kramer officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Sunday with a rosary offered at 7:30 p.m. and scripture service offered at 7:45 p.m. at LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa. Visitation will also be held from 9 to 10 a.m. on Monday at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Life Center, Ottawa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Putnam County HomeCare and Hospice. The family extends its deepest appreciation and gratitude to PCHH for the compassionate care and support they provided, and for helping the family navigate this difficult time.

Condolences may be expressed at www.loveheitmeyer.com