Tuesday, March 8, 2016

IAM Mourns Southern Territory Stalwart Les Schroeder


It is with a heavy heart that the IAM learned of the passing of retired Southern Territory Administrative Assistant Leslie Gene “Les” Schroeder.

Schroeder began as a Machinist at Cameron Iron Works in Houston and initiated into the IAM on December 20, 1967 with Local 15. In 1972, Les became the local’s Secretary-Treasurer, then District 37 Secretary-Treasurer. In 1991 he became the District Directing Business Representative.

In 1996, Schroeder was appointed Special Representative by General Vice President Ed House. In 1999, General Vice President George Hooper appointed Schroeder as Administrative Assistant, a position he held under Hooper and General Vice President Bob Martinez until Schroeder’s retirement in June 2005. 

“It’s difficult to explain how much Les meant to me and to the Southern Territory,” said IAM International President Bob Martinez. “He was a mentor and a friend. He cared deeply for the members of our union, and kept his focus on doing right for them. Through his life, he stood up for the working man and woman. Les has a great family, and they were so important to him, and all of us in his Machinists Union family join them in grieving for him.”

Schroeder is survived by his wife Diane; his son Leslie and his wife Jarene; and his daughter Karyn and her husband Robert. He also leaves behind his mother Isabella; his brothers Edwin Jr., and Jerry; his sister Carol; and four grandchildren and two great granddaughters.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, March 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Klein Funeral Home in Tomball, TX. The memorial service will take place at Zion Lutheran Church in Tomball at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 9.

Memorials may be made to Guide Dogs of America. Memorial to be announced at a later date at St John Lutheran, Mansfield, TX