Gary P. Schroeder

Gary Paul Schroeder of Salol, MN passed away surrounded by his family at his home in Bemidji on April 26, 2022 at the age of 79, after a courageous battle with cancer throughout this past year.

Gary was born on December 20, 1942 to Paul and Mae (Guyaux) Schroeder in Ottawa, Illinois. In 1947, Gary and his parents moved from Illinois to Salol where his dad started farming with his uncle. He went to the Salol School and Roseau High School, graduating in 1960 after which he continued to the University of Minnesota where he graduated with a degree in Business. After graduating, Gary went to work for Piper, Jaffray, and Hopwood Brokerage in Minneapolis. Gary met Carolyn Peterson on a blind date during that time, and he eventually moved back to Roseau in 1969.  In Roseau he started to work for Conoboy, Mason, and Hayes(now known as Czeh, Wilson, and Wilmer), as an accountant during tax season, and then farmed with his dad the rest of each year. After a 5 year long distance relationship, he married Carolyn on July 20th, 1974 in Brainerd, MN. They had their fantabulous only-daughter, Kara, in 1977.  In 1990, he went to work for Phil Johnson at Intercept Industries, as office manager, until he retired in 2011.

Gary truly enjoyed Farming, spending time fishing on Lake of the Woods and Buffalo Bay, camping in the islands of the Northwest Angle, and deer hunting with the “Hedlund Hunters” which he had so many great memories with. He also loved going to Isla Mujeres, Mexico from February to March with his wife and sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Mike. Gary was forever grateful to Linda for donating a kidney to him 13 years ago. He very much enjoyed watching the Roseau Rams girls’ basketball team. Gary loved taking rides in his Ranger to check on the farmland/fields, looking for wildlife, and trail riding in Beltrami State Forest. Gary also loved playing the card game Canasta with his family. He really loved watching Keston play basketball, Kambria and her performances, and singing with Kazzlyn.

Gary will be missed by his wife, Carolyn of Salol, MN; daughter, Kara (Kyle) Lee of Bemidji, MN; grandchildren, Keston, Kambria, and Kazzlyn Lee of Bemidji, MN; sister, Amy Filpula of Roseau, MN; sister-in-law, Linda Burke of Brainerd, MN; brother-in-law, Calvin Peterson of Brainerd, MN; his aunt, Charlotte; loving nieces and nephews; and his many special cousins and friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Mae Schroeder; father and mother-in-law, Clayton and Helen Peterson; brothers-in-law, Richard Filpula and Michael Burke; and sisters-in-law, Sharon Peterson and Debbie Peterson.

In honor of Gary the family requests everyone consider becoming an organ donor.

At Gary’s request, there will be no funeral service.

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