Gary L. Schroeder Jr.
Monday, April 19, 1976
Date of Death:
Monday, April 17, 2023
Age:
46 years old
Visitation
Date: Sunday April 23, 2023
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Our Saviour's Lutheran Church [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Monday April 24, 2023
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: Our Saviour's Lutheran Church [ view map ]
Memorial Service
Date: Monday April 24, 2023
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Our Saviour's Lutheran Church [ view map ]
Monday, April 19, 1976
Date of Death:
Monday, April 17, 2023
Age:
46 years old
Monday, April 19, 1976
Date of Death:
Monday, April 17, 2023
Age:
46 years old
Gary L. Schroeder Jr.
Gary Lee Schroeder Jr- Zumbrota
After faithfully serving the Zumbrota community as a Police Officer for 18 years and serving as a member of the Zumbrota Fire Department for many years before medically retiring at the end of 2020, Gary fought a difficult yet courageous battle against PTSD attained in the line of duty. Gary was very proud of his service and struggled greatly with no longer being able to serve in the same capacity. The darkness he witnessed on this earth overtook him, and he was brought into the Lord’s light on Monday April 17, 2023.
Gary was born April 19, 1976, in Rochester, MN and was Confirmed in Christ on May 19, 1991. He earned his law enforcement degree at Rochester Community and Technical College and began his Law Enforcement career in Grand Meadow in 1999. He then worked for Alden PD as the Chief in 2000 where he was instrumental in starting the school liaison program, before starting his career in Zumbrota. Gary married the love of his life, Kim on May 22, 2004. They partnered in parenting three boys who have grown into creative, kind, and respectful teenagers.
Gary had a passion for his family, and he believed in the importance of having one on one time with each of them. He was energized by sharing his passions. He took the boys archery and firearm hunting for Elk in Colorado and Wyoming, and deer and turkey hunting in Kansas. He also mentored his dad and brother while turkey hunting. He was a proud father who loved teaching his boys about life. Not just teaching them how things are done, but also why. He found great enjoyment in sharing his family with others as well and always enjoyed their annual Boundary Waters adventures with the Siems family.
Gary was actively involved with many programs designed to help various communities and people in need including; COPS (Concerns Of Police Survivors) through the Zumbrota half-marathon, the Special Olympics Torch Run, the Invisible Wounds Project, Honor Flight, Protectors Peak and Fight for Air Climb, as well as many others.
He was a remarkable man who left a lasting impression on all that he had contact with. He wasn’t afraid to share his feelings and cry with those who he loved and with anyone who needed help. He was very strong in his faith and fully trusted the Lord.
Gary is survived by his wife Kim; three sons Ethan, Colby and Jacob; his father Gary Sr. (Susan); his sister Beth (Adam); and brothers Derek (Elizabeth) and Eric (Heather); as well as his mother Cindy; nieces and nephews Brady, Carson, Nolan, Cole, Landyn, Holden, Isabella and Paxton; as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Waiting for Gary were his maternal and paternal grandparents.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church as well as one hour prior to the funeral service.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday April 24, 2023, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church with Pastor Eric Westlake officiating. A lunch will follow.
A livestream of the service can be found on Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church website at http://www.oslczumbrota.org/watch/
A memorial account has been created to support Kim and the boys at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. Checks can be made out to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, with the memo indicating Schroeder memorial, and sent to 1549 East Ave Zumbrota, MN 55992.
Condolences
The family of Gary L. Schroeder Jr. has received the following condolences.
I have no words, only prayers!
Kim and son’s.
Words can’t express how sorry I am for your loss. I didn’t know Gary, but did work a booth with you Kim a few times for Invisible Wounds. Gary sounds like he was an amazing family man along with his career’s. Kim, your son’s and you will have such wonderful support from many and you have your beautiful faith to help you along this hard journey. It will get easier as time goes by, and the special memories you have as a family and wife will help you along the way.
God Bless all of you.
Wanda Hanes ????
Kim and son’s.
Words can’t express how sorry I am for your loss. I didn’t know Gary, but did work a booth with you Kim a few times for Invisible Wounds. Gary sounds like he was an amazing family man along with his career’s. Kim, your son’s and you will have such wonderful support from many and you have your beautiful faith to help you along this hard journey. It will get easier as time goes by, and the special memories you have as a family and wife will help you along the way.
God Bless all of you. ????
My deepest condolences for your loss, in this difficult time, Sending prayers and strength to Kim and her family.
Michelle Olson
I am so sorry to hear of your beloved’s passing. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. He sounds like a beautiful man. I pray that the memories you made will be a source of comfort in the days ahead.
What great person Gary was. He was always ready and willing to give his assistances when needed. He was always friendly, it didn't matter if he was on or off duty. Please now
that our thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be greatly missed.
You all have our sympathy. God has a plan for all of us. Most times we cannot understand what these reasons are. Listen to your Spirit. He will guide you to these answers in time.
Gary Sr, and Family. So sorry for your loss.
May all wonderful memories bring you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
With Deepest Sympathy and Prayers
Gary Sr, and Family. So sorry for your loss.
May all wonderful memories bring you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
With Deepest Sympathy and Prayers
Gary, Sue and family-- So very sorry to hear the loss of your son Gary jr . as you know we lost our son Rick.
There are No right words to say. We will keep you in our prayers. Ronnie and Jane
Gary always had a smile. He was always one who responded when we needed help at the Asst living. My daughter thought the world of him in her younger days. He was always willing to offer a helping hand. He will be greatly missed. Thinking n praying for all of his family, esp the kids. Watch for signs fro Heaven. ❤️
We very very sorry to hear the passing of Gary he was a friend to a lot of people in the area. We enjoyed visiting with him when we saw him around town and lunch every once in awhile at the sales barn he will be missed by all. Our prayers are with your entire family.
To Gary's family, I offer my prayers and condolences during this difficult time. Gary was the Alden Chief during the 4 years that my wife and I lived in/around Alden. He was also a work partner and friend as I was a Patrol Deputy at the time. Gary was always enjoying life and making sure everyone else was smiling. At the time, I had a chocolate lab, "Taurus". He was prone to running around Alden to stretch his legs. We never worried though, we would simply call Gary, and Gary would make a lap around town in his squad car. Soon Taurus would be following the squad car back to our house. I think Taurus would take off sometimes, just so he could check if Gary was working or hunting. Gary's friendly smile and helping heart will be missed, but I will always remember our times, hunting, hanging out, and working together.
My deepest and most sincere sympathies to your entire family. Please know that you are all in the prayers of so many people during this very difficult time.
I will always remember you as the young enthusiastic carefree “Greenhorn” that joined our small-town Zumbrota Police Department who introduced himself to me at the South Casey’s Store. The conversations and stories that we shared over the years. One of my favorites is when you got a little teary-eyed and had a smile from hear-to-hear as you shared with me your plans to take your girlfriend Kim on a hiking trip to one of your favorite spots, and when you got to the top, how you were going to pull a little box out of your pocket, get down on one knee, and ask her to be yours forever and ever. You had that same look on your face when you shared with me that you two were expecting your first baby. You have touched the lives of so many people and are loved by many more. You will never be forgotten, so rest easy. Don’t forget to send your loved ones your loving signs from Heaven. May they trust and believe in them when you do.
Rest in Peace My Friend!
Gary Sr., and family, I'm very saddened to have heard the news about the passing of Gary Jr. I remember when working with Gary Sr. when you would share about your son how proud your words, and facial expressions would be during our conversations. Gary Jr. was a great policeman, and an asset to the community. He will be greatly missed, and there are no words to comfort you during this time of grieving, but rest assured Gary Jr. is now at peace in the arms of his Savior. Gary Sr., and family I will keep you in my prayers, and thoughts. Stay the course, and keep the faith.
We are so sorry to hear about Gary. May the love and all of the wonderful memories, you hold close to you heart, help you thru this difficult. Love and prayers to all of you and may God's love be with you all.
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and hugs.
Our sympathy to all the members of the Schroeder Family Gary Sr., et all. Gary Jr., was a credit to Law Enforcement and all the communities that he served. Gary Jr. is at Peace and with the Master. God Bless.
"Blessed are the Peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9)
Gary Sr and Family, there are no good words for times like this. Laurie and I are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Gary Jr. Please know, all of you are in our Prayers.
So incredibly sad to see this news. Deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of this man.
May you find peace on his birthday.
My deepest and heartfelt condolences to Gary and the Schroeder family at this extremely difficult time.
Praying for Peace during this difficult time.
My deepest condolences to the family of Gary. May he be at peace.
Sue and Gary, my deepest condolences to you and your family. (Former Mayo Development colleague).
Are deepest condolences to the Schroeder family . He will be missed by so many . Are thoughts and prayers be with you.
We can't even begin to express how heartbroken we were to learn of Gary's passing. He was a truly amazing man and we were blessed to call him a friend.
Prayers to Kim, the boys, and all of Gary's loved ones.
Trevor, Tawny, Cheyenne & Savannah
Love and prayers to Gary, Sue, Kim and the boys for your loss. So sad to lose such a good man.
Deepest sympathy to the Schroeder family, from Bill, Becca, Lucy, Ella, & Cora Weist
Warm regards,
Lake City PD #201 & family friend