Joanne Schroer

Joanne Schroer, 82, passed away on January 15, 2021, at the Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Flanagan, Illinois. She lived for many years in Minonk and, more recently, in Roanoke, Illinois. She was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church of Benson.

Joanne was born to the late Clayton Young and Leona Chapin Armstrong on October 21, 1938, in Peoria, IL. She was raised in Peoria and attended Peoria Central High School and Illinois State University.

When Joanne was just two, Leona remarried Auval B. Armstrong, a man who raised Joanne as his own. The Armstrong family added three more children, all girls. The term half-sister was an unknown among the siblings.

In 1957 Joanne married Gary Dean McDermott. They had one son, Dean McDermott, Jr. Tragically, Gary Dean, Sr. was killed in an auto accident. Later Joanne married Thomas Kelley. They had one son, Auval Trev Kelley, who, due to a motorcycle accident, was sadly taken from Joanne when he was just thirty-two.

The Kelley marriage lasted only a short time, and Joanne went on to marry the love of her life, Kenneth Schroer. With that union, Joanne gained two stepsons, Kenneth Schroer, Jr., and Michael Schroer. The proud mother secretly longed for a daughter. The couple went on to have two more sons, Bret and Thomas Schroer, but, alas, no daughters. Raising six sons was no easy endeavor, but Joanne stepped up to the task.

She participated in activities, including picking the boys up from after-school detentions. She served as a Cub Scout leader, attended ball games, and traveled the country following Thom’s and Bret’s dirt bike racing careers. Though caring, Joanne was never a pushover parent. She saved all of her “spoiling” for her grandkids, nieces, and nephews.

There was never a time when the Schroer household lacked pets, especially dogs, often more than one. Joanne’s most recent furry companion was a comic mix known as Puppy. When Joanne was admitted to the nursing home, never did a day go by without the mention of Puppy. Puppy survives and is happily living with Thom, Joanne’s youngest son - much to his dismay.

Joanne remained close with her three sisters: Priscilla Hughes, Linda Adams, and Sonya Lambert (the baby), fifteen years younger than Joanne. They traditionally gathered for junking expeditions and birthday dinners. All four had a fondness for garage sales and being the first to spot a good buy, which often involved sprinting from the car. As Joanne became relegated to a wheelchair, it put her at a distinct disadvantage.  She was forced to shout directions from the car window, which often drew attention. Laughing uncontrollably, a trait inherited from their mother, was usually the highlight of these get-togethers.

After Joanne’s husband Kenneth passed away, the youngest son Thom remained diligent in his mother’s care, right up to her passing. He was truly a dedicated son.

Joanne's wishes included cremation. Due to COVID restrictions, a small private memorial service will be announced later. Contributions in Joanne's name may be made to the ASPCA. Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington is assisting with arrangements, and notes of condolences may be sent using www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

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