Elmer Paul Schroeder, 90, of Lincoln died Monday. He was born on Dec. 2, 1917, near Guide Rock to Fredrich and Anna (Bangert) Schroeder. He graduated from Lawrence High School and then worked on his parents’ farm. He served as an air traffic controller in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II and participated in the liberation of Europe. He married Velma Stroh on Dec. 30, 1945, in Blue Hill. They were married for 62 years.
Elmer served 27 years in the Nebraska State Patrol, including working as safety education officer, director of training and general administration officer. He retired in 1974 with the rank of major. After his retirement, he worked for various state agencies in the area of security and law enforcement.
Active in traffic safety, he was the first charter member of the Hall of Fame of the United Safety Education Officers of America. He was instrumental in establishing the American Legion’s Junior Lawmen Program in Nebraska. He served as volunteer for Tabitha hospice services.
Elmer was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, serving as secretary, chairman of the Church Council and president. He was a charter member of the Trinity Lutheran Foundation and was instrumental in the founding of Lincoln Lutheran Junior High School.
Later in life, he attended Nebraska Wesleyan University. He enjoyed gardening and writing poetry.
He was preceded by his parents, two sisters and three brothers. Survivors: wife, Velma; daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Gary Seacrest; grandchildren, Logan, Tyler and Kelly Seacrest; sisters-in-law, Elsie Schroeder and Lorraine Stroh; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Howard and Arvie Doerr; and nieces, nephews and many friends.
Funeral service: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Trinity Lutheran Church, 724 S. 12th St.
Visitation: 2-9 p.m. Wednesday, Roper & Sons, 4300 O St.
Memorials to Lincoln Lutheran School Association, Trinity Lutheran Foundation/Worthman Library or donor’s choice.