Neil Schroeder, 69, of Winner, SD passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020 at the Sanford USD Med Center in Sioux Falls, SD.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Winner, SD. Burial followed in the Winner City Cemetery.
Neil Eugene Schroeder entered his heavenly home on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020 from Sanford USD Medical Center after a hard fought battle with Covid.
Neil was born on March 5, 1951 in Winner, SD. He was the second of nine children born to Ralph and Betty (Pederson) Schroeder. He was a wonderful big brother who helped take care of his siblings. Since his mother didn’t drive, he often drove his siblings where they needed to go. Neil lived in or near Winner his entire life. He attended Winner High School where he enjoyed playing football, basketball, and baseball in the summer. He graduated from Winner High School in 1969.
After graduation, he attended Northern State College for two years. On April 22, 1972, he married his high school sweetheart, Linda (Burtz) Schroeder .Together they built a strong Christian family raising four children; Bradley, Kimberly, Jeremy, and Bruce.
When Neil and Linda were first married, Neil worked for Sioux Dairy Supply. They also purchased a ranch 30 miles from Winner and began ranching. Neil loved the hard work and open spaces.
In 1985 Neil started working at the South Dakota Department of Transportation in Winner which prompted him to move his family into Winner. He continued to drive to the ranch to work every evening.
When he started at the DOT, it was an entry-level job, but because of his intelligence and work ethic, Neil worked his way up to Survey Crew Chief. He enjoyed his time at the DOT and made many lifelong friends. His work inspired his youngest son to become an engineer. He retired in 2010 to enjoy his family, especially his grandchildren.
After Neil retired, he worked part time for Schramm Furniture and then Kucera Electric. He continued his passion for ranching by helping his sons and son-in-law. He enjoyed fishing, yard work, riding his bike, and driving his 4 wheeler to work. His favorite pastime was watching his grandchildren in their various activities.
He drove hundreds of miles to cheer, encourage, and congratulate them. Throughout his lifetime, Neil was active in the community. He served on the Winner Baptist Hospital Board and coached Witten basketball and Clearfield baseball.
He was a member of the Winner Baptist Church where he was a trustee for many years and was instrumental in building the Winner Baptist Church. He dedicated many hours to helping young lives at AWANA on Wednesday nights. Neil loved people.
Anywhere he went, he met friends and always stopped to visit. He was very active his entire life and always wanted to be busy. Above all, Neil was a man of God, grateful for his Savior Jesus Christ. He set
a strong example to the very end, even witnessing to hospital staff. He appreciated everything God gave him. We were blessed to have 69 years with Neil.
Survivors include his wife of 48 ½ years, Linda. His children: Bradley (Susie) Schroeder of Canistota, SD, Kimberly (Ross) DeMers of Winner, SD, Jeremy (Rhonda) Schroeder of Winner, SD, and Bruce (Kira) Schroeder of Aberdeen, SD. His 12 precious grandchildren: Anna, Josiah, Levi, Caleb, and Sam Schroeder; Maggie, Lena, and Bianca DeMers; Rylee and Rustin Schroeder; Ruth and Eve Schroeder. Step-grandchildren: Jessica Jensen and Josh Jensen. Step Great-granchildren: Payton, Kingsley, and Maxton.Siblings: Leo Schroeder, Beverly Parezo, Gayle Hamilton, Diane Neyens, and Curt Schroeder. As well as a host of relatives and friends.
Neil was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Betty; Father and Mother-in-Law, Earl and Marian Burtz; 3 brothers, Gary, Kenny, and Jim; and sister-in-law, Pam Burtz. Neil was a Godly man who will be missed here on earth. We are thankful for the Christian heritage he gave us.
Loading ...