Irene W (Widick) Schroeder

Irene W. Schroeder

Irene W. Schroeder, 101, 607 E. Sixth, died Monday (March 13, 2000) at her home in Newton.

She was born Feb. 24, 1899, in Belle Plaine to A. B. and Jennie S. (Shaffer) Widick. She married Dr. W.F. Schroeder in 1926. He preceded her in death in 1939.

She spent most of her childhood in Emporia. She received a bachelor of arts degree from College of Emporia in 1920, and a bachelor of science degree in library science from Emporia State University in 1940. Following her graduation from College of Emporia she taught English for a year in a private school in Kyoto, Japan. After returning to the United States, she taught for a year at Coldwater High School and taught Latin at Newton High School and also at Lansing, Mich.

After her husband's death, she returned to school to prepare for her work as a librarian. She was employed at Newton Public Library from 1940 until her retirement in 1970. She served first as children's librarian and subsequently as head librarian. In 1957 she was named Woman of the Year in the Newton Kansan. During and after her tenture at the library she gave many book reviews to groups in and around Newton.

She was a member of American Library Association, Reading Circle, P.E.O. and Round Table in Newton. She also was a member of United Church of Christ in Newton for more than 70 years.

In 1972, she was Centennial Queen, presiding over the events celebrating the founding of Newton and Harvey County 100 years earlier.

She was a an avid bridge player. She taught bridge for the Newton Recreation Commission for several years after her retirement. She and her friend, the late Dorothy Steinkirchner, won numerous regional duplicate bridge tournaments. She continued to play regularly until the last year of her life.

Survivors include: two sons, Dr. Fredric A. Schroeder of Englewood, Colo., and Dr. W. Widick Schroeder of Libertyville, Ill.; one sister, Margaret Widick of Atchinson; six grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at United Church of Christ in Newton with the Rev. Christian Tirre officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery.

Memorials have been established with Newton Public Library or Bethel College Library in care of Petersen Funeral Home.