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Service:
No funeral per Barb’s wishes.
Funeral home:
Fricke-Calvert-Schrader, Lincoln
Obituary
Barbara Ruth McLaughlin Schroder
passed away June 28th 2024, to the great unknown,
after 80 years of life. I choose to believe her
energy and spirit are ever present, even if she did
not while on this earth. This is the story of Barb
as summarized by her loving daughter. Barb was born
October 24th, 1943, to Thelma Mae Wolgamot and
Edward Joseph McLaughlin in Napa, California. Barb
was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years
David W. Schroder.
She was the second of nine children and was preceded
in death by siblings Mary Ellen, Patrick (daughter
Kelly), Mike (sons Tom, Danny and Joe) and Kevin.
She is survived by her children Jennifer (Bobby
Champion), grandchildren Anthony and Joseph and
their father Steve DiPasquale- all of Lincoln, and
son Andrew (Candace) of Champaign. Babs is also
survived by siblings Marcia (daughter Cassie), Mark
(spouse Marcia and children Mandy, Ryan and Meridith),
Joe and Jean.
Barb moved frequently as a child (nine grade
schools!) until the family settled in Moline,
Illinois. She graduated from Illinois State
University. Mom’s favorite treat was the occasional
chocolate marshmallow shake from Country Style just
a few blocks from the family home. Anyone traveling
to this area… I will take a frozen Butterfinger malt
made with chocolate soft serve. Hey - don’t get all
sensitive, she is dead, and I am not.
Barb was first a Librarian at Lincoln College where
she met great lifelong friends (Phyllis E.), then
worked her way through getting a Master’s Degree in
Special Education at ISU while working fulltime and
raising two small children in Lincoln, IL. She then
taught English, Spelling, Reading, and Penmanship
(yeah - that used to be a “thing”) at Carroll
Catholic grade school where I was lucky enough to
have her as a teacher. Barb then moved on to work
for a short while at Lincoln Developmental Center
before transferring to the Lincoln Prison to be a
Pre-GED, GED, and “Pre-Start” (interviewing, how to
fill out applications, and other basic skills for
transition) instructor. Co-workers nicknamed her
“Sassy Barb” (Ask Jenna M. for stories). After about
20 years Barb retired and enjoyed spending time with
her grandchildren and traveling quite extensively
with her husband David.
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Barb played in a softball league for
many years in Lincoln and while she enjoyed the
activity it was mostly about making friendships and
the after-game socializing (Jan M. can fill you in).
After retirement, Mom volunteered for many years in
the baby room at Christian Child Care where she met
many ladies and enjoyed the camaraderie (Betty A.
can fill you in).
Mom was sharp as a tack and had a
wicked sense of humor. She loved culture, museums,
plays, movies, and devouring lots and lots of books!
She had a great sense of style and enjoyed shopping.
Barb could crack any word puzzle and never finished
a game of Scrabble with less than 300 points. Mom
was always silently (or not so silently) correcting
your grammar.
Barb valiantly battled cancer this past year and
went through surgery, radiation, and tube-feeding.
She recovered from all three traumas just to get
better for two weeks and then get another steaming
plate “o” poo. I can see her eyes rolling at my
crass sense of humor and usage of the English
language. Well… that’s what you get for raising kids
on Monty Python, Dr. Who, Mad Magazine, National
Lampoon, board games, PBS, lots of awesome family
vacations, obscure art, and movie references.
Momma, Andrew and I are truly grateful that you did
your absolute best and loved us to the full extent
of your heart. As you said repeatedly, you had a
wonderful life and really didn’t have anything to
complain about.
We are so happy and blessed that you were able to
spend your last days in your own home with family.
It was NOT a Mediterranean cruise (phhhhh!). Bon
voyage on your last trip Mamacita! Your love will
never die.
No funeral per Barb’s wishes.
Fricke-Calvert-Schrader has been entrusted with
cremation services.
Memorial donations in Barb’s name can be made to the
Humane Society of Logan County.
Click here to send a note of condolence to the family of
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