Donald "Don" Schroeder

   Donald “Don” Schroeder, 67, of Fargo, passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo.

     Don was born on May 5, 1957, in Bottineau, ND, the second child of Horton and Fern Schroeder.

    Don was raised in Bottineau, ND. He attended church at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church where he was baptized and confirmed. He thoroughly enjoyed spending summers at Lake Metigoshe in his aunt Gladys’ cabin with family.  Those summers developed his love for water skiing and time at the lake.  Don had a very special relationship with his Grandpa Beyer.  Some of his fondest memories with Grandpa Beyer included driving the Turtle Mountains while listening to Polka Hour and delivering newspapers together.

   Don left home at an early age where he spent time with his dad and his dad’s family in Devils Lake and Montana.

   Don married the love of his life, Claudia, on October 26th, 1979.  They made their home in Hillsboro, ND, where he enjoyed working for Diehl farms. While in Hillsboro, they were blessed with their first child, Rochelle.  They later moved to West Fargo, ND, where they were blessed with their second child, Jonathan. 

   With their family established they moved to Felton, MN, where Don started his own trucking company, Schroeder Transfer.  They remained in Felton for 10 years enjoying time with family and camping at Marclay Point.  The family enjoyed a few summers on Lake Melissa where Don shared his love of boating and water sports with his children.

    Don and his family moved to Fargo, ND, in 1995 and has remained there since.  They became members of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church. 

  During his time in Fargo he continued to drive truck, and was a very engaged parent, coaching youth football and attending the kids’ activities. 

   The family grew when Rochelle married Brian in 2004 and Jonathan married Renetta in 2013. 

   Later in life Don’s favorite title quickly became Grandpa.  He enjoyed taking his grandchildren for hair cuts, burgers and ice cream.  Shopping trips through garage sales, dealerships and for western boots were special times he spent with them.  He happily themed his birthday based on the grandchildrens’ favorite cartoon characters at the time.   He shared his love of root beer floats and motor sports. He made sure the grandchildren were well equipped with go karts, snowmobiles and motorcycles.  He enjoyed snowmobiling, even if he had to drive hours to find snow.   

 Into his retirement years Don spent his time helping his son-in-law, Brian, on the farm.  He found great joy in working with his grandchildren and teaching them to drive truck.  He was a good and faithful servant to the Lord and lived it out as a visible member of his church.  Don was an elder and enjoyed assisting with ushering and greeting during service.  He took great pride sitting with his family during services and watching his grandchildren grow in their faith.  He supported the church’s Vacation Bible School program by assisting with meals every summer. 

He will always be remembered for his genuine kindness and eagerness to help others.

   Don is survived by his wife, Claudia; daughter, Rochelle (Brian) Rieck and their children, Davis, Benett, and Elleana; son, Jonathan (Renetta) Schroeder and their children, Harvey, Arayla, Isabel, Annalee, Meleah; siblings, Kevin (Connie) Schroeder, Rochelle (Delvin) Fischer; his step-mother, Vivian Schroeder; siblings, Ron Schroeder, Dean (Karla) Schroeder, and Chad Schroeder; and step-siblings, Deb Cooper, Linda Hoen, Dwight Sorben, Darrold Sorben, and Darla Yates, and many nieces and nephews.

   He was preceded in death by his parents, Horton Schroeder, Fern Sorben; step-father, Duane Sorben; and step-sister, Clara Steffen.

  Memorials are preferred to Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church.

Visitation: Monday, September 23, 2024, from 4-6 p.m., followed by a prayer service at 6:00 p.m., in Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND.

Funeral Service: Tuesday, September 24, at 10:30 a.m., in Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, Fargo, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo, ND.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

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