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Edward ‘Ed’ Schroeder, longtime public servant and devoted family man, died Monday at age 88


Edward Schroeder, 88, of Ludlow, passed away on Monday, March 25, 2019 at Atria Highland Crossing in Ft. Wright. 

Schroeder spent 51 years as a public servant to the people of Kenton County as Sheriff, Circuit Court Clerk and Mayor of Ludlow.

“Our Dad had a long list of accomplishments,” said his son, David Schroeder, who is head of the Kenton County Libraries and a distinguished local historian. “But what he took fierce pride in was his family.

Ed Schroeder

“His devotion to Mom and his unconditional love for Susan, John, Steve and me was unquestionable. He served his family, his church and his community without seeking accolades or approval. He did these things because it was the right thing to do. He will be greatly missed.”

He was also active in numerous Northern Kentucky charitable and fraternal organizations including the Kehoe Council Knights of Columbus and as a member of the Ludlow Vets, which included a term as president. 

He was an active member of Sts. Boniface and James Church where he served on the parish council, finance committee, and was the founder of the Catholic Education Association at St. James – St. Boniface School. 

He was also a member of the Covington Catholic High School Boosters and served on the school board for many years. 

Schroder was a board member of CLASP (Interfaith after school program for Ludlow children) and Panorama Apartments Senior Living Facility. He was President of the Ludlow-Bromley Swim Club. 

In 2018, he received the Pioneer Award from the Kenton County Fiscal Court. 

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.
 
Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou Schroeder (2016).
 
Survivors include his children, Susan (Joseph) Heringhaus of Edgewood, John Schroeder of Florence, Steve (Jamie) Schroeder of Edgewood, David Schroeder of Ludlow; 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
 
Visitation is on Friday, March 29, from 9:30 a.m. until the hour of Mass of Christian Burial at 12:30 p.m., all in Sts. Boniface and James Church, 304 Oak Street, Ludlow, KY 41016. 

Interment in Mother of God Cemetery, Ft. Wright.
 
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Covington Catholic High School, 1600 Dixie Highway, Park Hills, KY 41011.

 


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6 Comments

  1. Dorothy Radenheimer says:

    To all of the Schroeder Family:
    Our Deepest Sympathy. Your father and my husband were friends and co-workers in the Kenton Co. Sherrifs’ Department. Your Dad was kind to all and I know he took great care of your mother. She was a friend of my sister-in-law Jean Thomas. My prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow.

    Respectively,
    Dorothy Radenheimer and Family

  2. John C.K. Fisher says:

    My name is John C.K. Fisher and I met Mr. Ed Schroeder as the Kenton County Clerk many years ago when I was a reporter for The Kentucky Post Newspaper. Mr. Schroeder helped me do my job for many years by providing me access to records in circuit and district courts. He believed in being open and letting the public know what their elected officials were doing and how the court system was run. But, more importantly, Mr. Schroeder was a kind, soft-spoken man who had a sense of justice and decency that was unmatched. He never had a bad word about anyone. He always encouraged me to do my best. Mr. Schroder had a way of making people feel at ease and comfortable around him. Mr. Schroeder reminded me of the Jimmy Stewart character in the Christmas movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life..” Mr. Schroeder was the quiet, backbone of a community who made things run and who helped everyone, but was someone you didn’t fully appreciate because he never sought the spotlight for all the good he accomplished. Mr. Schroder never lost an election because the voters approved of every job he ran for. So, I guess that means that thousands of people did appreciate Mr. Schroeder by returning him to office time and again. I just wish we could have made a bigger deal – and a bigger show – of our respect for him. He will truly be missed, but he has left a wonderful family and legacy for us all to follow.

    • Dave Schroeder says:

      John, your tribute is so touching. The family gathered tonight to make final arrangements. We read your comments out loud. It brought many of us to tears. Thank you so much for lifting Dad up. He was a natural mentor who truly cared about people.

  3. In public life you meet many people and sometimes you meet people like Ed Schroeder with total kindness and integrity. I actually loved him and he was a great public servant , husband, Father and Friend. He will be missed and his wisdom has always helpful to young leaders. He is in Heaven as a good and faithful servant to the Lord.
    June and I will keep your family in our prayers.
    Dr. John Stephenson Former Superintendent of Education for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

  4. Dave Schroeder says:

    Dr. Stephenson
    Thank you so much for your comments. Dad loved his family, faith and community. He was a leader – more importantly, a great husband and father. He will be greatly missed.

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