Editing Lorenz Schroeter (section)

== Death ==
Schroeter developed symptoms of pneumonia on 20 November 1896 but continued working. On 25 November, he became severely short of breath and nearly collapsed while inspecting rolling stock at Deutzerfeld. He went home to Kalk, where a local physician diagnosed pneumonia that day and ordered strict bed rest. The physician returned several times over the following days. Schroeter continued to worsen, with persistent fever and delirium.

Laurenz and Gertrud came from Stommelerbusch during his final week. On the morning of 3 December, a priest from St. Marien administered the last rites at the house. Schroeter was intermittently conscious that evening and recognized Catharina and his parents before losing consciousness. He died at about 8:00{{nbsp}}p.m., aged 39.

Catharina arranged the funeral with help from Matthias Schroeter, whose undertaking business handled the practical arrangements. Railway workers from Deutzerfeld raised a collection for Catharina and attended the funeral. Schroeter was buried at [[Alter Friedhof Kalk/Vingst]] on 8 December 1896.

His simple written will left his property to Catharina and the children, and she kept his tools for them. In spring 1897, she sold the house before returning to Rotterdam with the children.