Obituary of Lois Ann Schroter

Lois Ann Kissel Schroter, 91, was called by God her Father into eternal rest and eternal life in heaven in God’s presence, through her Good Shepherd Jesus, on May 16, 2025.  She was the beloved, devoted daughter of Rev. Frederick K. Kissel and Mrs. Louise G. Kissel.  She was born at Margaret Hague Hospital in Jersey City on May 4, 1934.  As a young girl, she began a career (of decades) of playing the piano at home, throughout high school and college, and into her later years, and also of playing as organist for church services at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Union City, (where her father served as pastor from 1934-1972,) and afterwards as substitute organist at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cliffside Park, NJ.  She graduated from Emerson High School in Union City in 1952 and completed years of collegiate studies at Jersey City State College to become a teacher.  She taught at what is now Anna C. Scott Elementary School in Leonia, NJ, and enjoyed reminiscences with her family of her (joys and) success in teaching young children.  Her studies and teaching career were cut prematurely short by serious illness.  (Following this), she (resumed and) continued devoting herself to faithful, extensive (services of) ministry (within and) for the church, including serving as a Sunday school teacher from her youth and throughout her years as a member of St. Matthew’s and for years afterward at Grace Lutheran Church in Palisades Park, NJ; serving in the church choir at St. Matthew’s and later at Trinity, and serving within the St. Matthew’s Ladies’ Aid and at special church events such as St. Matthew’s Bazaars.  Above all, she was a faithful believer in the Lord Jesus as her Savior and in God as her personal Father through Jesus.  She therefore centered her life on the Church, faithfully participating from her baptism into Jesus up to only a few weeks before her death in the services of God’s Word and Sacraments and its Good News of Jesus’ saving us for eternal life (within God’s family).  She married Mr. Herbert Kurt Schroter on July 21, 1959, and spent the remainder of her life as Herbert’s loving, faithful, caring wife, companion, and partner in a marriage lasting over 65 years.  She was the loving, faithful, devoted mother of three children- her son Frederick, who (tragically) died shortly after his birth and emergency baptism, with whom she is now reunited in heaven; her son John Herbert, born in 1966, and her daughter Deborah Lois, born in 1967, who carries her name.

Her family was the other center and focus of her life.  She had no greater joy than in being with her family, in serving them by cooking and baking, such as delicious family favorites as Konigsberger Klubsa, (big German meatballs in a sweet and sour sauce), Frikadellen, (pan-fried beef patties), and American chopsuey, (a beef and macaroni casserole), lamb stew, her (own) homemade macaroni and cheese, and baked custard and tapioca; or in going with her family on all vacations, trips, and special outings.  She faithfully, lovingly committed her time, efforts, and activities to caring, providing for, raising, guiding, supporting, and encouraging her children, from helping with (their) schoolwork, driving them to (their) childhood activities, nursing them through illnesses and injuries, standing up (for them) as their advocate, and always being there for them with a listening ear, loving heart, and shoulder to lean on (as their constant confidante and counselor). She was the greatest gift of the good Lord to her son and daughter.  

She is survived by her husband Herbert, son John, and daughter Deborah.  Viewings for Lois will be held at McCorry Brothers Funeral Home, 780 Anderson Avenue in Cliffside Park, NJ, from 3:00-5:00pm on Thursday, May 29th, and from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm on Saturday, May 30th.

Her funeral service and celebration of eternal life in Christ will be held at 10:00am at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 238 Columbia Avenue, Cliffside Park.  Donations in remembrance of Lois may be sent to Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church in Cliffside Park.