Helen Schoder

Helen M. (Bauman) Schoder, 86, of Battle Creek, MI,  passed away Thursday, December 4, 2014. A lifelong resident of Battle Creek, she was the daughter of Joseph F. and Helen "Marie" (Geise) Bauman. Both parents died when Helen was a preschooler and her aunt and uncle, and elder siblings raised her. Helen married the late, Hon. Wendell L. Schoder. They had seven children, Anne Marie (who died as an infant), Patrice (Peter) Emmerson of Jenison, MI, Robert (Julie) Schoder of Battle Creek, Gerald Schoder of Kalamazoo, Martha (Peter) Terry of Inkster, MI, Mary (Michael) Collins of Sturgis, MI, and David (Therese) Schoder of Bartlett, IL; 15 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her sister-in-law Joan Bauman; brother-in-law Richard Smith, and many nieces and nephews.  Helen is a graduate of Battle Creek St. Philip High School, member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and volunteered countless hours with the Leila Auxiliary, Battle Creek Area Catholic Schools and numerous community organizations. Helen was preceded in death by her four brothers: Joseph, Justin, Vincent and Paul Bauman; and four sisters, Mary Agnes Kopplin, Theresa Hogan, Sr. Marianelle (Margaret) Bauman, I.H.M., and Josephine Smith. The family will receive friends on Friday, December 12, 2014 at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., with the Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. A Mass to celebrate Helen's life will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 13th at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Private interment will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society (St. Joseph Catholic Church) or the Battle Creek Area Catholic Schools (BCACS). www.henryfuenralhome.org

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