This web site is dedicated to the late John Schroepfer

(March 1886 - January 1957)

 

John was born March 1st, 1886 in Bernstein, Austria.

His family moved to the United States when he was two years old, to a farm in Antigo, Wisconsin.

John played violin at a young age, started a career as a piano tuner and an orchestra leader of Schroepfer's Jazz Orchestra.

Click to enlarge.

 

He married Theresa Augusyn in 1907. Together they had one son, Ed and four daughters, Evelyn, Margaret, Helen, and Alice.

 

At 21, John started his luthier career which led him to make 156 violins.

The articles from the newspapers claimed there was 138 Schroepfer Violins. Jim Novak of Antigo, Wisconsin, a good friend of Ed Schroepfer, John's son, owned #150 and has since sold it.

 

Here is a copy of an original order form for a John Schroepfer Violin.

             

Click to enlarge.

 

All information has been taken from newspaper articles, corresponding with family members and people who knew the Schroepfer family.

It may not be 100% accurate.

If you have any information of John Schroepfer or violins he has made, please contact me by clicking on "E-Mail" in the left column.