Dolores Schroeder, of Prior Lake, passed away July 15, 2017 at the age of 83. A visitation will be held Thursday, July 20, 2017 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (4565 Pleasant Street SE) in Prior Lake. A Celebration of Life Service is Friday, July 21, 2017 at 1:00 PM with visitation one-hour prior at Zion United Methodist Church (1026 East 205th Street SE) in Lydia. Pastor Larry Kasten will preside, and Dolores will be laid to rest at Concord Hill Cemetery.
On June 18, 1934, David and Doris Ward celebrated the birth of their daughter, Dolores June Ward. She was born on the family farm in Spring Lake Township. Dolores lived on that farm until her family moved into town when she was in the fourth grade. As a girl, Dolores loved horses and enjoyed spending time outside with her sister Sally.
After graduating from Shakopee High School, Dolores fell in love with Elden “Bud” Schroeder. They were married in 1952 and quickly moved to Michigan while Bud completed his service in the Air Force. After Bud was honorably discharged, they moved back to Minnesota and settled in Prior Lake to raise their two sons, David and Kevin.
Dolores loved their neighborhood, and she lived in the same house for the rest of her life. When her boys were growing up, Dolores was known as the fun mom. All of the neighborhood kids would pile into her old Mercury, and she’d take them to Spring Lake where they’d spend the afternoon swimming at sunset beach.
When her boys were a little older, Dolores began working outside the home. She spent many years in the receiving department at Control Data. She was a dedicated employee and very good at her job.
In 1984, Bud died suddenly and Dolores was heartbroken, but she had a strong faith that helped her through this difficult time. A few years later she met the second love of her life, Gordy Nelson. Dolores and Gordy’s love grew quickly, and they exchanged wedding vows on June 27, 1986.
Gordy and Dolores had a wonderful life together. They enjoyed traveling, going to the state fair, attending the Daytona 500 and bird watching together. They spent 24 winters in Punta Gorda, Florida where they made many wonderful friends. Gordy and Dolores would go to dances, see shows and loved feeding the ducks that lived in the pond right by their house.
Dolores was a kind and thoughtful woman. She loved her family and loved the Lord. Dolores will be deeply missed and remembered always by her husband, Gordon Nelson; sons, David Schroeder and Kevin Schroeder; sister, Clair (Michael) Klingberg Sibila. Dolores was greeted in heaven by her husband, Elden “Bud” Schroeder; parents, David Ward & Doris Klingberg; sister, Sally (John) Martland.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation proudly serves the Schroeder & Nelson families. www.BallardSunderFuneral.com
