Robert Schroeder
May 14, 1923 ~ May 28, 2023
Click to View Bob's Funeral Service Livestreamed
Click to View Bob's Prayer Service Livestreamed
Memorials can be directed to Miller Booster Club, 17997 Polo Dr, Orient, South Dakota, 57467 or the Miller Golf Course, PO Box 111, Miller, South Dakota 57362.
Robert McKay Schroeder, 100, of Sioux Falls and formerly of Miller, passed away Sunday, May 28, 2023, at Avera Prince of Peace in Sioux Falls, surrounded by his family.
Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 2, 2023, at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Miller, with Father Paul Josten, celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Ann's Cemetery. A prayer and rosary service will be held at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, June 1, 2023, at the church.
Bob was born in Miller, South Dakota on May 14, 1923, to Alfred and Ann (McKay) Schroeder. He grew up in Miller, surviving a serious infection at age 4 resulting in surgical removal of a portion of a lung. He was involved in numerous activities including athletics, music, and scouting. He was only able to play football his senior year after a special pad was constructed to protect his lung surgery site. Bob won a state championship and set a school record in the 100-yard dash in 1941, the year he graduated from Miller High School.
Attending the University of South Dakota, he played varsity basketball for 3 years. Due to a shortage of teachers, he was asked to return to Miller to teach and coach in the fall of 1944. He remained at Miller High School for the next 41 years, teaching many classes including social studies, economics, civics, and bookkeeping. In 1949, he married Edie Donlin, also a Miller native. Together they raised four sons. Edie passed away from cancer in 1976.
Bob’s coaching of MHS football teams for 30 years resulted in 8 undefeated seasons, 13 conference championships, and winning streaks of 29, 19, and 18 games. His 1946 team was considered one of the best in the nation. In basketball, he coached five straight State B Tournament teams, including an undefeated State Championship in 1949. He coached basketball until 1964. In track, he had 10 conference championships and several individual state champions in his 30 years of coaching. Bob was honored with numerous Hall of Fame inductions including the SD Sports Hall of Fame, the USD Coyote Hall of Fame, as well as the football and basketball coaches and Miller High School Halls of Fame. He was the SD High School Coach of the Year in 1949 and 1967. The MHS athletic complex was named Bob Schroeder Field in his honor.
He became the school principal in 1974 and continued that position until his retirement in 1985. His career allowed him to associate with students, teachers, administrators, parents, and fellow coaches. He described that time as “enjoyable and memorable”. Bob was an avid and talented golfer, winning a number of tournaments and club championships and helping coach and start the MHS golf program. He played and coached baseball at many levels and helped in the formation of a wrestling program in Miller.
Following retirement, he married a friend from college, Verlyn Boyd, in 1986. They lived in Miller until 2008 when they moved to Prince of Peace in Sioux Falls. They enjoyed many travels together before Verlyn passed away in 2014. Bob was active in the community, including serving as a Hand County Commissioner. He was involved in the Catholic Church and was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He enjoyed singing, dancing and playing cards. As is true with many teachers and coaches, he developed lifelong friendships with coaches, a number of his players and students, striving always to remain a role model for them.
He lost some of his memory during his last year or so, but he never lost his fine character - kind, witty, and polite always. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity, humor and love that will forever touch the lives of those he knew.
Survivors include his sons: Steve (Connie) of Miller, Al (Mary Ann) of Sioux Falls, Pat (Terry Engebretson) of Sioux Falls, and Greg (Marlene) of Sioux Falls; grandchildren: Paul Schroeder (Laura) of Sioux Falls, Erica (Eric) Ramsey of Sioux Falls, Tom Schroeder of Sioux Falls, Meredith Schroeder of Chicago, Alex (Sarah) Schroeder of Sioux City, Adam Schroeder of Sioux Falls, Melissa Schroeder of Sioux Falls, Jess (Tom) Carlson of Sioux Falls, and Sara (Andrew) Weckman of Sioux Falls; 12 great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; spouses: Edie Schroeder and Verlyn Boyd Schroeder; and sisters: Marion Schroeder and Barbara Alley.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Bob's arrangements.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
As a kid in the early 1970's I spent many Saturday mornings at the Miller Armory playing basketball. Mr Schroeder arrived at the armory at 8AM and conducted a basketball clinic to every kid that showed up free of charge. By the time I was in high school Mr Schroeder was the principal. He has to be the most respected employee that the Miller School district has ever had. RIP Mr Schroeder. You served your community very well.
Coach Bob touched many young lives in Miller, SD, Taught them how to be upstanding young men and women, whether in athletics or in class. He was respected by all. He didn't mess around, if you had it coming to you, cause you messed up.. you got it, all the while knowing he was right. He lived a fine life, raised a great family and will be missed dearly.
Larry and Dee Danburg
My deepest sympathy to Bob’s family. Bob was a treasure in every way. He was a dear friend and a respected colleague. He was an important person in our life during our 28 years in Miller and beyond. With love and hugs, Jo Marso
My sincere sympathy to the family of Robert M. Schroeder.
My sincerest sympathies on Bob's passing. Looks like my mom was not the only one of that generation in our town to make the century mark. I hope you find comfort in the memories you carry and the joys you continue to have in life. Donna Hamaker
Sorry for your loss.
Our Deepest Sympathy.
Dr. Dick and Kathy Splichal
Uncle Bob was married to my aunt Edie, one of my mother Claire's younger sisters. My mother also reached 100, and she told Bob that it wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Glad Bob was able to find out for himself. Bob was always the happiest of my many relatives, and we all loved to be around him because all he did was laugh and have a good time. He will be missed. The last uncle of a great family.
As a 22 yr. old, fresh out of college, Bob and Edie welcomed Shirley (9 months pregnant) and me Into their home often as we began my first year teaching in Miller HS. Bob was my football mentor, a calm yet firm guiding force that first year and as he became Principal I became the head football coach of the Rustlers. Now, 50 years later and having just been fortunate enough to attend his 100th birthday party we honor the life and legacy of this fine man. Well done good and faithful servant!🙏
Mr. Schroeder (I called him that all my life, it doesn't seem right to call him anything else) was my high school principal, and my Dad's football coach. He was always fair, and he was well respected by all of the students. Sending prayers for his family and friends.
Mr. Schroeder (I can't call him anything else) was my high school principal and retired the year that I graduated. He was a fair, kind man who was well-respected by all. I am honored to have known him.
Coach, my younger brother Wayne and I transferred in from Portland Oregon as sophomore and junior. We played two and one year at MHS . You also taught class, for me is was and is the most memorable time spent in HS. You and your father Al, we’re great coaches for me and what you taught me carried over when I played in Navy sports. I know Wayne also thought a great deal of you not only as a coach but later as a friend. You affected our lives in such a positive way. You are now safely home with our Lord and Savior. May Gods loving arms surround your family at this time and have only sweet memories to rely on.
Merlin H Carr, MHS class of 1948.
One of the greatest High School Coaches of all times. Well done good and faithful servant. He will be missed and remembered. I wanted to become a coach because of the impression he left on my life. Thank You, Coach Bob Schroeder. God is Good !