Gary James Schroeder

Judge Gary J. Schroeder, born on October 26, 1952, passed away on June 25, 2024, at the age of 71.
Judge Schroeder worked as a practicing attorney for 47 years. In 1981, at the age of 28, he was appointed as the youngest judge in the history of Gonzales County and would go on to serve as such for over 41 years for the Cities of Gonzales and Smiley, earning him a milestone achievement as the longest-serving municipal judge in the history of the county. Judge Schroeder also served as the presiding judge for the City of Cuero for nearly a decade and worked for the City of Shiner Municipal Court for over 26 years.
Aside from practicing law, the judge spent much of his time as a cattle rancher. He and his beloved wife, Laura, meticulously built up a herd of premium cattle that produced champion Charolais bulls at auction.
Gary James Schroeder was a force to be reckoned with, and those who knew him well felt a deep love and appreciation for the high set of standards he held. To friends and family, he was the consummate host with near-professional level culinary skills. One never went hungry (or thirsty, for that matter) as a guest at his ranch. He was truly one of a kind and will forever be remembered for the strength, fortitude, and providence he provided his family.
Judge Schroeder is preceded in death by his father, Max Schroeder, Jr., the man he called Dad, Daniel Seidenberger, his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and dear friends.
He is survived by his mother, Mildred Seidenberger (Cuero), wife, Laura Schroeder, daughter Jennifer Schroeder Gottschalk (Brian), grandchildren, Avery and Grayson (New Braunfels); son Gary James Schroeder II (Julie), grandchildren Autumn and Hudson (Ft. Collins, Colorado); children by marriage Kasie Brown Carroll (Courtney), granddaughter, Olivia (Buda), Colt Brown (Lori), grandson, Elliot (Poth), Fanci Brown, grandchildren, Lilith, Liam, and Luz (Alamogordo, New Mexico), and beloved chosen brother, Steve Whalen (Ronna) and chosen sister, Carol Sandlin (Lance).
The family will receive visitors at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home in Gonzales, TX on Sunday, June 30 from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held Monday, July 1st at Seydler-Hill at 10:00 a.m. Private family burial to follow. Pallbearers: Gary Schroeder II, Brian Gottschalk, Colt Brown, Steve Whalen, Mitch Holverson, Lester Warzecha, Mike Ortman, and Terry Parker. Honorary pallbearer: Rob Glomb.
In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to The Wounded Warrior Project or the forthcoming Gary J. Schroeder Memorial Scholarship fund, which will be established with the Gonzales National Bank for local students interested in a career in law. (Please send checks for the memorial fund to P.O. Box 73, Gonzales, TX 78629.) Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com.
Service are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.