John Arthur Schroeder died peacefully on March 29, 2020, at the age of 98. He was born to Jack and Irene (Stokes) Schroeder on Dec. 24, 1921.

John graduated from Wishkah Valley in 1940. Growing up during the Great Depression meant hard work helping to provide money for the family, including peeling cascara bark and packing many heavy loads out of the woods.

His 20th birthday coincided with the bombing of Pearl Harbor. With his best friends Roger Peterman, Ole Olson, and Alex Fleury, he enlisted in the US Merchant Marines, serving on ammunition ships in the South Pacific. After the war, with his newfound seamanship skills, he worked on several cargo ships and traveled around the world.

On Nov. 14, 1953, John married fellow Wishkah resident Carol Jean Olson. They were married 54 years. After raising their family, they enjoyed traveling together and playing the nickel slots. He joked that he would never forget her birthday, as they shared the same Christmas Eve birth date.

His career allowed him to continue working on the water here in the Twin Harbors area. He was captain of the US Army Corps of Engineers survey boat, Mamala, until his retirement in 1978.

John enjoyed woodworking, golf, and weekends at Phillips Lake. He was a past officer and life member of the Grays Harbor Masonic Lodge. Following Carol’s death in 2008, he was proud to volunteer at the Aberdeen Senior Center. He served lunch to others daily and always looked forward to the weekly sing-a-long sessions.

He is survived by his two sons Daniel (Anne) of Aberdeen and Steven (Christine) of Olympia, his granddaughter Kimberly, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Carol and brothers Robert and Richard.

No services are planned at this time.

Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the on-line register at www.colemanmortuary.net.