Mrs. Opal M. Schroeder, 97, of LaHarpe, IL passed away Thursday, July 16, 2015 at McDonough District Hospital in Macomb, IL.

She was born February 2, 1918 near Raritan, Illinois, the daughter of Dean and Esther Corzatt Cortelyou. On June 24, 1943, she married Wayne A. Schroeder near Raritan. He preceded her in death on April 6, 2013.

Mrs. Schroeder was a graduate of Media High School in Media, Illinois and received her teaching certificate from Western Illinois State Teachers College in Macomb. She taught for six years in country schools in Mercer and Warren counties, and also at Joy, Illinois schools. After teaching she was an active farm wife and mother, residing on the family farm for seventy one years. She loved raising her family and helping her husband farm. She enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, and knitting for family and friends.

Opal was a lifelong member of the Raritan Reformed Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years. She currently attended the LaHarpe Union Church. She was a member of the Happy Helpers Club since 1941, the P.E.O., and had been a 4-H leader for many years.

Survivors include one daughter, Anne (Dr. Greg)) Hoekstra of Waterloo, IA, three sons, Dr. Kenneth (Emily) Schroeder of Rochester, MN, Brian (Connie) Schroeder of Minier, IL, Gary (Donna) Schroeder of Laharpe, eight grandchildren and two great granddaughters. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two brothers, Doren and Lowell Cortelyou, and two sisters, Blanche Cook, Frances Lindberg , and one sister in infancy.

Visitation will be from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. Sunday at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe. The funeral for Mrs. Schroeder will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday July 20, 2015 at Banks & Beals with Rev. Bruce Goettsche officiating. Burial will follow in the LaHarpe Cemetery. Memorials have been established for the Raritan Reformed Church, LaHarpe Union Church, and Hancock County 4-H.