Dennis Lee Schroeder , 82, of rural Albion, passed away at 1:16 a.m. Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at Miller's at Oak Pointe, Columbia City, where he was a resident since March.

Born at St. Joseph Hospital in Fort Wayne on March 31, 1942, he was a son of the late Herbert J. and Betty (Bobay) Schroeder.  Growing up in Fort Wayne, he completed St. Jude Elementary School and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1960.

On January 29, 1964, he joined the U.S. Army, where he became a law clerk.  After his active-duty service, he was released to the Army Reserves, where he was called back to active duty for 5 months in 1966.  He was honorably discharged on June 28, 1966, and completed his reserve status on January 28, 1970.  During his reserve status, he completed a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from Ball State University.

On June 19, 1965, he was united in marriage to Gail Eileen Woodruff.  After Dennis's military service, the couple moved to Indianapolis, where he began his work career in retail store management.  He worked for Blocks Department Store in Indianapolis, Meis Brothers in Terre Haute, and Stone & Thomas in Beckley, WV, all of which became Macy's stores.  He completed his career with the Veterans Administration in Chicago, managing their retail store.

The couple retired to rural Albion to be closer to family.  He was a member of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, Columbia City, and a long-term member of his college fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Gail; children Patrick (Cherie) Schroeder of Maryville, TN, Amanda (Michael) Sadlon of Columbus, OH, and Matthew (Kayla) Schroeder of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren, Padric, Adam and Katherine "Katie"; siblings, James (Susan) Schroeder of Columbia City, Gary (Deborah) Schroeder of Fort Wayne, Thomas (Laurell) Schroeder of Columbia City, Jeanne (Rick) Knuth of Ludington, MI, Dianne Schroeder of Columbia City, and Kathy Schroeder of Fort Wayne; and a sister-in-law, Georgette Schroeder of Greensboro, NC. Dennis was the oldest of 21 cousins.  He had 19 nieces and nephews.

Dennis desired to have no services.  Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Memorials in Dennis's honor are to the St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church.