Naomi Carolyn Schroeder

Naomi Schroeder of Portage, MI passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at the age of 91. She was born in Cleveland, OH the daughter of Alphonse and Caroline (Grolle) Lutz, and sister to Elvera, Arlene, and Viola.  

Naomi had a passion for reading and teaching others, she served as Secretary and Vice President for the Vicksburg Ladies Library Association, Chairman of the Vicksburg Book Study Group, and tutored reading to those in need through the Read Right Program.

She worked hard to care for others working as Secretary and Card Chairman for the Blind with the Vicksburg Lioness Club, served as Chair of the Portage Ecumenical Women, was a hostess for 23 years with the "Young at Heart" senior citizens group, assisted with Tender Care Birthday parties, and served as President of the  American Field Service International - Portage Chapter for one year.

More than anything Naomi loved the Lord and joyfully served him. She was a member of the choirs at two Lutheran churches, taught Sunday School for over ten years, served as a Bible Study Facilitator for five years, worked as Secretary and Treasurer of the church Women's Group, delivered Meals on Wheels for seventeen years, and spent time serving as a church teller, greeter, and welcome center hostess.

Naomi’s confirmation verse was Psalm 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want," and it saw her through her entire life's journey: the good, the bad, the sad and joyful.  She lived her life with a sparkling smile, serving others as the hands and feet of Christ in every endeavor and pastime.

She will be fondly remembered as a child of God, a wonderful wife of 73 years, a spectacular mother, grandmother and friend.  She and her husband Victor loved to dance and sing, and they were known to steal the dance floor at any wedding events. Her hospitality was unmatched. She loved to entertain, host, and socialize at any and all opportunities. 

Left to cherish her loving memory is her husband Victor, Children Carolyn Gaus, Tom (wife Denise), Eileen Grostic, Vic (wife Diana), 11 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. 

Naomi is preceded in her passing by her parents, sisters: Elvera Smith (Husband Harry), Arlene Neiss (husband Bob), Viola Smith (husband Gilbert), and son in law John Grostic.

In accordance with the family’s wishes cremation has taken place and a celebration of her life will be held at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 7211 Oakland Drive, Portage, MI 49024, on Wednesday, January 4, 2022, with a time for visiting beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Paul R. Naumann officiating. Naomi will be laid to rest during a private committal service at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.

Memorials made in Naomi’s memory may be directed to the St. Michael Lutheran School. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Naomi’s guestbook and/or share a memory with Her family.

The Schroeder family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002. 269-344-5600.