At
Taft, Schroeder joined the swim team, became captain of the varsity football
team, was in the Lettermen’s Club, Ski Club, and contributed to Aerie and Ibid.
He also became a captain of thirty lifeguards on Lake Michigan.
Following graduation, Schroeder went to Luther College and later enrolled in the
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry where he earned his DDS and
a master’s degree in biochemistry.
Remaining in Virginia, Schroeder completed his residency at the University of
Virginia, then opened his private dental practice in Richmond where he served
his patients for 40 years. He increased access to care for patients with special
needs and supplied hundreds of hours in donated time making sure those who are
the poorest receive the same dental care as everyone else. He worked many hours
with the Gullah community in Virginia
Schroeder was a co-founder and provider for CrossOver HealthCare Ministry, was
adjunct faculty at VCU, and frequently contributed to the Virginia Dental
Journal. He wrote fervently on the importance of leadership, relationship
building and lifelong learning and growth.
Schroeder became a sought-after consultant through his firm, Leadership by
Design, and orchestrated a group of dentists Central Virginia Dental Care. He
dedicated 13 years to serving on the Chesterfield County School Board, as well
as teaching Sunday school at Redeemer Lutheran Church for 25 years.
Schroeder contributed to the development of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church/Child
Development Center in Midlothian. Amid staying active in the community,
Schroeder made sure to keep his marriage, family, and relationships at the
center of his life. He said, "Looking back, I really see all sorts of
interventions of God giving me the wisdom to make good choices."
Schroeder died in January 2020.