Douglas D. Schroeder

Douglas Darrell Schroeder, 88, of Sparta, our beloved veteran, peacefully passed away on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters. He was born on July 30, 1936, near Norwalk, Wisconsin, to Frank and Lillie (Betts) Schroeder.

In 1944, the family relocated to Sparta, where Doug graduated from Sparta High School in 1954, excelling in football, basketball, and track. He proudly attended Badger Boys State in 1953. Doug earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse in 1961 and later obtained a master’s degree from Winona State University in 1970. While at UW-La Crosse, he played college football for four years with the La Crosse Indians and earned a letter in track during his freshman year. In 1997, Doug was honored with induction into the Sparta High School Athletic Wall of Fame.

Doug dedicated 37 years to military service. He joined the US Marine Corps Reserve in 1953 before enlisting in the Navy in 1954. After attending radio school in Bainbridge, Maryland, he served as a Radioman 2nd Class on the USS Power, DD-839, until his discharge in July 1957, after which he transferred to the Naval Reserve. Following his college graduation, Doug was commissioned as an Ensign in the Naval Reserve, becoming a cryptologic officer and commanding several Naval Reserve Security Group units for over 11 years. He served on the Readiness Command staff in the Twin Cities and completed the four-year Senior Reserve Cryptologic Course with the National Security Agency in 1976. Doug proudly retired as a Captain in 1990.

On August 13, 1960, Doug married Mary Schaitel at St. Patrick’s Church in Sparta, and they enjoyed 64 wonderful years together, raising three daughters: Marybeth, Julie, and Sue.

Doug’s professional journey was dedicated to public education. He taught math and science at Lincoln Junior High in La Crosse and served as a science teacher at Sparta Junior High School. He held the position of Elementary Principal at Lawrence Lawson Elementary School in Sparta and later became Assistant Superintendent of the Sparta School District. In 1970, Doug was appointed Superintendent of Schools in Cassville, Wisconsin, before returning to Sparta as Assistant Superintendent. In 1980, he was appointed Superintendent of Schools in Sparta, retiring in 1990 after 30 years of service in public education.

Doug contributed to the community as a member of the Board of Directors of Western Technical College for 17 years, serving as Director, Clerk, and Chairperson. He also held the position of Executive Director of the Sparta Housing Authority for several years and served as Supervisor/Clerk of the Town of Leon, as well as a trustee and Secretary/Treasurer of Erv’s Rural Fire District.

Doug lived a truly “marvelous” life, filled with love and dedication.

He is survived by his cherished wife, Mary (Schaitel) Schroeder of Sparta; three daughters, Marybeth Schroeder of La Crosse, WI; Julie (Todd) Millis of Sparta, WI; and Sue (Tom) Trautsch of Sauk City, WI; grandchildren Erin, Emily, Tyler, Ashley, Mason, Zach, Max, Alex, Rilee, and Julia; and great-grandchildren Everly, Bri, Cal, and Avery. Doug treasured every moment spent with his family, creating countless wonderful memories through vacations and weekend outings.

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Lillie (Betts) Schroeder; sisters Janet Olson and Roxeen Woodard; parents-in-law John and Elizabeth Schaitel; and many brothers and sisters-in-law.

The family would like to thank Gundersen Hospice for the wonderful care they provided Doug over the last three months.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta, with Father Eric Berns officiating. Burial, with full military honors provided by VFW Post 2112 and American Legion Post 100 both of Sparta, will be in the church cemetery.

Family and friends are invited for visitation from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta. There will be a 7 p.m. rosary on Tuesday at the funeral home. Visitation will continue from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements. 

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