Wilfred “Fritz” M. Schroeder, 85, of Sparta died Friday, August 29, 2008 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse. He was born on March 23, 1923 in Monroe County, Wisconsin to Leo and Bertha (Herricks) Schroeder. He grew up on the family farm on St. Mary’s Ridge.

     Fritz married the former Louise Gronemus on November 15, 1947 at Sts. Peter and Paul Church at Pine Hollow. After marriage they farmed on St. Mary’s Ridge. He worked with his father in the family construction business, Leo Schroeder and Sons. Fritz and Louise moved to Sparta in 1972 and purchased the Club 16. They sold their share in 1975 when he retired. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sparta.

     He is survived by his wife, Louise of Sparta; children, Steven (Darla) Schroeder of Elkhart, IN, Jim (Janice) Schroeder of Cashton, Mike (Sue) Schroeder of Tomah, Mary Jo (Randy) Pfaff of Sparta; 12 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; two sisters, Margaret (Linus) Heintz of Sparta, Isabelle (Jay) Ferries of Sheridan, WY, and a brother, Norbert (Betty) Schroeder of Tomah.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, William; a grandson, Adam Schroeder; a great grandson, Hayden Moe; three brothers, Otto, Harold, and James Schroeder.

     Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta with Father James Leary O.F.M. Cap. officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, St. Mary’s Ridge.

     Friends may call at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta on Tuesday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of services. There will be a rosary service at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

     The Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.