JOHNSTON, Iowa — Herman “Lou” Schroedel passed away Monday, Sept. 7, 2020, at BRIO in Johnston after a long struggle with Lewy body dementia. We miss him but are rejoicing because he’s now at his home in heaven.

There will be a family memorial service for him Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church followed by a committal at Iowa Veterans Cemetery.

Lou was born March 31, 1931, in Triumph, Minn., to Louie and Esther (Salzman) Schroedel.

Lou married his best friend’s sister, Hazel Anderson, in 1953.

Lou graduated from Sherburn High School and Gustavus Adolphus College. After two years in college, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy/Air Division. After boot camp, he attended jet mechanics training and got his first duty assignment. He was an aviation mechanic on a maintenance crew with the Blue Angels. After two years with the Angels, he spent the last year of his enlistment aboard the USS Wasp with a fighter squadron. After he was honorably discharged, he finished college.

He began his career with Iowa Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company as a casualty adjuster. Thirty years later, he retired as COO of Farm Bureau Mutual.

Lou will be remembered as a kind and generous person. He loved God and country. Retirement gave him the opportunity to volunteer and share his time and compassion with others.

In the ’90s, he had the opportunity to volunteer in Russia and Kazakhstan with VOCA (Volunteers in Overseas Assistance), helping to establish insurance companies.

Lou was a wonderful father, grandfather and husband. He enjoyed fishing, pheasant hunting in earlier years and worldwide travel. He was a good cook and a handyman.

He was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Golden K Kiwanis, VFW and American Legion.

Lou is survived by his wife of 67 years, Hazel; daughters, Leslie Goldsmith (Paul), Stacy Howe (Scot); grandchildren, Bryan Goldsmith (Kate), Rebecca Goldsmith (Rajee Harris), Brandt Howe; great-grandchildren, Blake and Drew Goldsmith; and many nieces and nephews.

Lou was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John Schroedel; sisters, Thelma Schenck, Betty Munson, Marion Shaddix and their spouses; nephew, Tom Schenck.

We sincerely wish to thank the staff at Elan Cottage Brio for their kind and loving care of Lou.

Donations may be directed to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church or Animal Rescue League of Des Moines, Iowa.

Condolences can be sent to the family at www.iowacremation.com

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