Janice E. Schroer, 74, New Bremen, died at 2:55 p.m. Jan. 6, 2013, at Elmwood of New Bremen.

She was born March 29, 1938, in New Bremen to Leo and Luella Blumhorst Topp, who preceded her in death. On Sept. 7, 1957, she married Lloyd W. Schroer, who survives east of New Bremen.

Also surviving are her daughters, Vicki (Tim) May of New Bremen, Deb (Dave) Hovestreydt of Sidney and Lori (Kurt) Rindler of New Bremen; grandchildren, Keith (Steven Meyers) May of Sidney, Jessica (Dakota Blair) May of Minster, Jamie (Cody Russell) Hovestreydt of Sidney, Gerrit Hovestreydt of Sidney and Jacob, Nathan and Owen Rindler, all of New Bremen; and a sister, Bonnie (Orville) Heidt of New Knoxville.

Preceding her in death along with her parents was her brother, Robert H. Topp of New Bremen.

She was a 1956 graduate of New Bremen High School, where she graduated salutatorian of her class. She served as drum majorette in the band and was a cheerleader for all four years of high school. She was a life-long member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in New Bremen, where she was very involved in the life of the church, including being a member of the Women's Guild, the Busy 12, Satellite C and Saturday night church choir, church secretary for more than 20 years, Sunday School teacher for 30-plus years and a room mother for the children. She enjoyed following her children and grandchildren in all of their various activities through the years, including being a band booster member and a member of the CCL group for many years.

She retired from working in the accounting department at Kirk NationaLease of Sidney in 2007 after 22 years of service. She then worked at Emmy's Bridal, Minster, for several years.

She was a devoted housewife, mother and grandmother, also helping out on the family farm since its beginning in 1967. She loved to cook and bake and throw elaborate parties. She and her husband enjoyed traveling, visiting every state in the U.S. as well as 26 foreign countries.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Paul United Church of Christ in New Bremen, the Rev. Becky Erb Strang officiating. Burial will take place in German Protestant Cemetery, New Bremen.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Wednesday at Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen and 9:30-10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Paul United Church of Christ Memorial Fund or Wilson Home Health/Hospice, 915 West Michigan St., Sidney, Ohio 45365.

Condolences to the family may be left at gilberghartwigfh.com.