Lillian Mercedes (Neppl) Schroeder, age 100 of Wall Lake, IA, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 14, 2025, with her daughters by her side. Lillian was born on March 20, 1925, in Estherville, IA, to Anna (Bachman) and Joseph Neppl. She joined her siblings Marcus, Alma, and Marcella. The family moved to Wall Lake in 1930, following the death of her father. Lillian graduated from Wall Lake High School in 1942. Growing up, Lillian worked at the family creamery in Wall Lake. After graduating, Lillian worked at various places including a bank in Lake View and at National Oats.
A devout Catholic, Lillian was baptized and confirmed in the faith. She met a young man by the name of H.F. “Gus” Schroeder at a local dancehall. The two were united in marriage on June 1, 1948, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wall Lake. Together they raised two daughters.
Being a Wall Lake ‘city girl’, Lillian came to know farming quickly after marrying Gus. The two of them enjoyed farm life. Lillian provided several meals and snacks daily for all the men during planting, haying, and harvest seasons. She enjoyed gardening and canning and in her free time, liked to crochet and cross-stitch.
Lillian was a league bowler for many years and also enjoyed golf. She and Gus were avid dancers, and enjoyed dancing at all of the local dancehalls. They owned and operated Lakewood Ballroom for several years and even appeared on the Lawrence Welk Show. The two of them also enjoyed traveling across the United States and traveled to several different countries as well.
As mentioned above, Lillian was a devout Catholic. She and Gus were very involved in the church. She served as Guild President for many years and every year, the couple hosted an area priest party in their home. They were devoted participants in Adoration.
Above all, Lillian adored her family and spending time with them brought her the most joy. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her daughters, Robin (Craig) Hansen of Brighton, IA, and Ann (Mark) Neppel of Dolliver, IA; grandchildren Carrie (Lee) Sypherd of Keota, IA, Andrew (Jodi) Hansen of Brighton, IA, Bethany Hansen of Keota, IA, Michael Neppel of St. Paul, MN, and Julie (David) Lovell of Bayfield, CO; great-grandchildren Tristan (Moon Redmond) Sypherd of West Chester, IA, Cecil (Kaitlyn Schultz) Sypherd of Ainsworth, IA, Mila Hansen, Trax Hansen and Tyler Geisler of Brighton, IA, Ryder, Hazel, Graham, and Waylon Lovell of Bayfield, CO; great-great grandchildren Bo Craig and Emery Jo Sypherd of Ainsworth, IA, and Ryett James Sypherd of West Chester, IA; sisters-in-law Mary Schroeder and Marge Albrecht both of Wall Lake, IA; many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, Gus Schroeder; parents Joseph and Anna Neppl; sisters Alma Bluml and Marcella (Roy) Cook; brother Marcus (Jane) Neppl; brothers-in-law Clayton Schroeder, Norman (Ardis) Schroeder, Darrell “Speed” (Thelma) Schroeder, Joseph Heidenreich, and Dale Albrecht; sister-in-law Nona Mae (Bert) O’Connor.
