By: Scott Larson
slarson@kcautv.com
The town of Anthon is still reeling from the loss of Lee Schroeder – who many considered to be a great and selfless man. Just after one o'clock Friday afternoon, a final page was put out over the local police scanner. The message read, "Attention Lee Schroeder. This is your last page. Thank you for your service and dedication. Rest in peace." It acted as a final confirmation of Lee Schroeder's sudden and tragic death in last Saturday's plane crash near Correctionville, IA that took the lives of two men and sent the pilot, Gaylen Knaack, to the hospital in critical condition.
The fifty–three year old Schroeder served for thirty years on the Oto and Anthon ambulance and fire rescue units. Lee made a big impact on the community with his generous spirit and it showed with a huge turnout at the Saint Joseph's Catholic Church. Edna Cunningham of Anthon is one who was shook by the loss of Lee. "All I can say is this is the biggest crowd I think we've ever had at our church for such a bad tragedy."
Russ Greenlee owns the Little Siouxloon in Anthon and says he's still waiting to see Lee come back through the door. "Lee was a big guy because he had to be. Because his heart was as big as he was. And he lived that heart. He put his heart into everything he did."
A procession of fire rescue vehicles from as far away as Le Mars lead the way from the church to Schroeder's final resting spot in Oto. Jeff Kilzer, Lee Schroeder's nephew, says, "Keep him in your prayers. Remember him as he was, remember him helping out people. And if you ever have an opportunity to do something that he might like, do it in his memory."
While the loss of Lee still stings the outpouring of community support is helping the family cope.
