Carmen Kay Schroeder, 82, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, April 4, 2026.

Carmen was born on August 5, 1943, on her family’s farm near Deshler, Nebraska, the seventh child of Roy and Iona Ehlers. She began her education in Ruskin, Nebraska, and graduated from Deshler Public Schools.

On February 21, 1961, Carmen was united in marriage to George Schroeder. Together they were blessed with two children, Randy and Renae.

Carmen dedicated much of her life to caring for others. She worked as a nurse aide at Heritage Care Center and Jefferson Community Health & Life Gardenside nursing homes, as well as at Lynch Clinic, Jefferson Community Health & Life Fairbury Clinic, and in home health care through Jefferson Community Health & Life. She found great joy in helping others and cherished the friendships she built with her many coworkers over the years.

Carmen was preceded in death by her husband, George; her son, Randy; son-in-law, Randy Folkers; her grandson, Vince O’Toole; her parents, Roy and Iona Ehlers; her brothers, Don and Lyle Ehlers; and her sisters, Marilyn Dewey, Glennis McCutcheon, Dixie Buchanan, Linda Engelman, Cheryl Moore, and Lonna Durflinger.

She is remembered by her daughter, Renae Folkers; her grandchildren, Amie O’Toole, Chelsie Schroeder, Christopher Schroeder, Hunter (Amber) Folkers, and Travis (Anne) Folkers; her great-grandchildren, Austin Neumann, Mykal and Mykah Folkers, Collin and Conner Folkers, Laykin O’Toole, Skylar Folkers, and Lenox O’Toole; brother, Vincent Ehlers (Ila); along with many extended family members and friends.

Carmen will be remembered for her compassionate heart, her dedication to caring for others, and the joy she brought to those around her.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, April 10th at 11:00 am at Faith Lutheran Church in Fairbury. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com

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