With heavy hearts, we share that Jessica Ann Schroeder, passed away on January 31, 2026, at the age of 40, after an unexplained, sudden medical illness and brief hospitalization.

Jessica was born in Madison, WI to Sharon (nee Taylor) Schroeder and Dwain “Sonny” Schroeder. She grew up with her parents and sister, Rhonda, in Waunakee, WI. Jessica graduated from Waunakee High School and stayed in her hometown, close to those she loved. Her innate talents in researching topics, detail orientation, analytical mindset, and love for law, drew her to attend college, graduating in paralegal studies. Leveraging her education, she worked for the State of WI - Dept of Criminal Justice and enjoyed putting her talents to work and partnering with her attorney colleagues.

Jessica was known for her intellect, being well-read and always enjoying a good debate. She was a jokester at heart with a witty, and sometimes cynical, sense of humor. Jessica enjoyed traveling back in time - reminiscing nostalgic events in her life, touring museums and historic architecture, or taking road trips to understand her family’s heritage.

Jessica had many joys and hobbies in her life. She loved animals - raising rabbits as a child, and her cat “children”, Lilly and Lucy. She was an avid and beautiful painter - making paintings for her family and friends. She would snuggle on the couch and read books of all kinds for days. She loved watching movies, sports and “I Love Lucy”. Some of her fondest memories were playing cards, trivia or board games with anyone who would join her, traveling to New York with her mom, and spending time texting with her nephews, Christian and Andrew.

Jessica was our daughter, sister, family and friend. She added spice to our lives and love in our hearts. She was quiet and strong - a warrior until the end. Jessica and her memory will leave with us the important life lessons of resilience, compassion, and having fun along the way. We will miss her greatly in our lives.

Jessica is survived by her parents, Sharon Schroeder, Dwain “Sonny” Schroeder; sister Rhonda (Jonathon) Hoyer and their children, Christian and Andrew; Mark (Katie), Jeff (Heidi), Rich, Kathy (Bill), and Pam (Mark); many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends including long-time friend, Charlie. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Thomas and Donna Taylor and Victor and Evelyn Schroeder, uncles Richard and Jeffrey Taylor, and friends taken from this life too soon.

Family will greet friends on Saturday, February 7, 2026, beginning at 9 a.m. at St. John’s the Baptist Catholic Church, 209 South St, Waunakee, followed by a prayer service at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. A gathering for family and friends to share memories and stories of Jessica will follow at 1 p.m. at the Waunakee Village Center, 333 S. Madison St. Waunakee.

We welcome you to wear something red to honor Jessica, as this was her favorite color.

“She lived quietly, loved deeply and mattered more than she ever knew”.

Those wishing to honor Jessica may consider a donation to the, National Psoriasis Foundation.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home

5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee

(608) 849-4513