Raymond Earl Schroeder, Sr., 82, of Stewartville, Minn., passed away peacefully Friday, April 25, 2014, at the Stewartville Care Center.

Raymond was born Aug. 19, 1931, in Austin, Minn., to Henry and Ida (Earl) Schroeder. He was a graduate of Austin High School. On July 9, 1954, Raymond married Irene Morseth at the Mineola Lutheran Church in Goodhue County. Raymond was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving during the Korean War and Vietnam. He made a career with the military and spent 20 years in the U.S. Air Force. Raymond was stationed in many places including Texas, New Mexico, England, Turkey, Wisconsin and numerous other Air Force bases throughout the world. Raymond retired from the Air Force in 1972. He was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church and the American Legion. Raymond enjoyed fishing, hunting and his ham radio. Above all, Raymond loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his children, Raymond Jr. (Katherine) of Spring Valley, Minn.; Marianne (Kerry) Amy of Rochester, Minn.; Martin (Rockelle) of Watauga, Texas; Darrel (Lisa) of Rochester; Terry “Twink” (Sara) of Rochester; Cynthia (Mark) Krahn of Rochester; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two great, great-grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; one step, great-grandchild; brother, Duane (Marian) of Albert Lea; and numerous nieces and nephews. Raymond was preceded in death by his loving wife, Irene; daughter, Karen Luster; granddaughter, Marsha Schroeder; two brothers, Paul and Darrel; sister, Helen and by his parents, Henry and Ida.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, May 2, 2014, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester. Visitation will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 1, 2014, and one hour prior to the service on Friday all at the funeral home. Rev. David Hoot will be officiating with interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. To share a condolence or special memory, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com