Elaine Schroeder, 91, of Watseka passed away on February 28, 2026 at Prime Healthcare St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee. She was born on July 20, 1934 in Albion, Nebraska, a daughter of Frank and Inez Virginia (Watson) Short. Elaine married Wayne Schroeder on April 30, 1955 in Woodworth and he preceded her in death on January 20, 2015.

 

Elaine is survived by one daughter, Connie (Jon) Cooley of Kentland; one son, Larry (Mary) Schroeder of Watseka; four grandchildren, Derrick Carmichael, Andrea Carmichael, Ashley Espinoza, and Dusty (Britney) Schroeder; granddaughter-in-law, Ashley Schroeder; ten great-grandchildren; one brother, Don (Mary Ann) Short of Fulton, Missouri.

 

Besides her husband, she was also preceded in death by both of her parents, two half-brothers, Roy and Frank Jr., and one half-sister, Dorothy; and one grandson, Dakota Schroeder.

 

Elaine was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka. She loved her neighbors, “The Hickory Nuts”. Elaine was a lunch room supervisor for many years at Nettie Davis and also was a water meter reader for the City of Watseka. She enjoyed bowling, buying cookbooks, and cookouts on the 4th of July. Elaine especially loved time spent with her family and grandchildren.

 

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and also one hour prior to the funeral service. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. also at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Joe Hughes officiating. Burial will follow in the Oak Hill Cemetery near Watseka.

 

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

 

Please share a memory of Elaine at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.