Walter Joseph Schroeder Jr.

Walter J. Schroeder Jr., affectionately known as “Sonny” to his friends and family, passed away peacefully at his home on June 22, 2025. He was, and always will be, surrounded by the enduring love of those closest to him.

Sonny was an enthusiastic participant in several fantasy football leagues, where he shared laughter and camaraderie with friends and family. Before becoming a father, he also enjoyed performing as a bassist and vocalist in a band with close friends.

He was a devoted husband to Jennifer, a loving father to Nick and Claire, and a caring pet parent to many beloved animals, especially his dogs.

Sonny is survived by his wife, Jennifer (nee Lorentz) Schroeder, son Nick Schroeder, daughter Claire Schroeder, mother in law Alice (nee Svoboda) Lorentz, sister Jean (late Jack) O’Connell, brother in law Jozef Rosko, nieces and nephews Cara Melbou, Brian (Kate) Gregg, Chuck (Karrie) Hickey, De-De (Clarence) Woodard, Jenny Downing, Crystal (Travis) Throgmartin and great nieces and nephews Massy Melbou, Youba Melbou, Ashli (Chad) Cooper, Theodore Cooper and Allexys Woodard.

He was preceded in death by his parents Walter Joseph Schroeder Sr and Delores (nee Prince) Schroeder, sisters Linda Schroeder and Kathy Schroeder and sister in law Laura (nee Lorentz) Rosko.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Brookfield Zoo in support of the new Tropical Forest exhibit, honoring Sonny’s lifelong fascination with primates and love for animals. For those who wish to create a living tribute, the family also welcomes the contribution of plants suitable for a memorial planter that can be placed in his honor. Alternatively, you may choose to dedicate a tree in Sonny’s memory—a lasting symbol of his life, love, and the joy he brought to others.