Racine – Christopher Michael Schroeder, 31, passed away at Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center in Milwaukee on Saturday, July 27, 2013.  He was born in Racine on December 13, 1981, son of Robert John Schroeder, Sr. and Sandra (nee: Goetsch) Salas.

Christopher was united in marriage on July 23, 2011 to Kelly (nee: Befus) Schroeder at Wustum Gardens in Racine.

Chris was a roofer for Carlson Roofing.  He was a member of St. Mary's by the Lake Parish.  Chris loved to fish and had earned the nickname "Catfish Chris".  He also had a green thumb and spent much of his time with his gardening projects.  Chris also enjoyed spending time up north at the cabin in Crivitz where he would fish, shoot firearms, and enjoy the outdoors.  He could be found playing video games in his spare time when he wasn't fishing or gardening.  Chris loved children and always enjoyed entertaining and making them laugh.  He affectionately became everyone's "Uncle Chris".  Chris was forever helping and giving to others. Even in death, he will be enhancing nearly 60 needing individuals with his gift of organ & tissue donation.

Chris leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Kelly Schroeder of Racine; daughter, Helena Befus of Racine; mother, Sandra Salas of West Allis; brother, Robert (Kimberly Morgan) Schroeder, Jr. of Kansasville; aunt, Cheryl (Eugene) Topping of Arpin, WI; in-laws, James (Barbara) Befus of Racine; brother-in-law, Joshua (Nicole) Befus of Franklin; nieces and nephews, Adelyn Schroeder, Alexys Befus, Brayden Befus, Mason Befus; best friend, Joe Gonzales of Racine; and other relatives and dear friends too numerous to mention.

Chris is preceded in death by his father, Robert Schroeder, Sr.; grandparents, Norman & Loretta Goetsch and Robert & Julie Schroeder; and uncle, Jerry Goetsch.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, August 1, 2013, 12:00 noon, at St. Mary's by the Lake Parish, 7605 Lakeshore Drive in Caledonia, with Rev. Gary Nowicki officiating.  Burial will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park.  Visitation will take place on Wednesday, July 31, 2013, 5:00pm until 8:00pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Road.  Visitation will continue on Thursday at church from 11:00am until the time of the service at 12 noon.  Memorials have been suggested to the American Asthma Foundation.

The family would like to extend a Thank You to the nurses and staff of the Aurora St. Luke's – Critical Care Neurology Center, including Dr. Sajjad, Dr. Eyzaguirre, Dr. Sosa, and Sue Berg (Child Life Specialist for Helena),  for the love and support that they gave to Chris and our family for the last week.