Paul N. Schroeder

NEW BAVARIA – Paul N. Schroeder, 78, of New Bavaria, passed away at 12:03 p.m., Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima. He was born May 24, 1947, in Lima to the late A.I. & Marcele (Recker) Schroeder. On October 17, 1970, he married the love of his life Nancy A. Wagner, who survives in New Bavaria. They were married for 55 wonderful years.

Also surviving are three children: Kevin (Melanie) Schroeder, Doug Schroeder and Jessica (Tommy) Stant, all of Miller City; ten grandchildren: Madison, Grace, Evan & Kassidy Schroeder, Maggie & Lane Schroeder, Mickayla, Karley & Kallee Stant, and Kaydee (Levi) Gustwiller; a great-grandchild on the way; a brother, John (Eileen) Schroeder of Glandorf; three sisters: Wilma Schnipke of Cloverdale, Jeanne Bialecki and Mary (Tom) Schroeder, both of Ottawa; and a sister-in-law, Tammy Schroeder of Kalida.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a son, Chad Schroeder on January 8, 1995; four brothers: Bob, Melvin (Esther), Clete (Mary Ann) & Ed Schroeder; and two brothers-in-law: Jim Bialecki and Ralph Schnipke.

Paul was a veteran of the US Army and retired from General Motors, Defiance. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, New Bavaria, Ottawa Knights of Columbus, Glandorf Rod and Gun Club and Campground, lifetime member of the Leipsic Fishing and Hunting, Miller City Sportsman’s Club, Ottawa Eagles and Ottawa VFW. Paul was also a former coach for his kids and helped with Cub Scouts when they were younger.

Paul enjoyed camping, gardening and woodworking. He loved hunting and spent many years going to Pennsylvania, Southern Ohio and Northeast Ohio deer hunting with friends. He fondly called his granddaughters “punkin” and showed his love by baking special treats for his family and friends. If you were ever a recipient of one of his caramel pecan apple pies, you know he thought you were someone special. Family get-togethers always included molasses cookies for his grandchildren. Paul was also the Dum-Dum sucker man to many of his great-great-nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 9, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, New Bavaria with Fr. Nick Cunningham officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites by Ottawa American Legion, VFW, AMVETS and DAV. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Leipsic and 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday prior to the mass at the church. A vigil service will be held at 1:45 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Miller City Sportsman’s Club Fishing Derby, in honor of Paul taking his grandkids to fishing derbies and most recently his

great-great-nieces and nephews.

Condolences may be expressed at www.loveheitmeyer.com