Gary Elmer Schroeder

Gary Schroeder (1950-2026)

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

Gary Elmer Schroeder, 75, is now in the presence of his Savior after battling pancreatic cancer. He passed away on February 12, 2026 surrounded by loved ones.

Gary and his twin sister, Mary Schroeder, were born to Glenn & Carrol Schroeder on April 24th, 1950 in St. Paul, Minnesota. He grew up in St. Paul with his four siblings, Barbara (Gene), Mary, Thomas, and Jane. During high school, he started his first job at St. Paul Book & Stationery. From 1970 to 1976, Gary served in the medical reserves.

In August of 1971, Gary married his lovely and supportive wife, Wilma (Klassen) Schroeder after meeting at Bethel College. Together, they raised their three children, Geoffrey (Gressa), Emily, and Rachel (Binod) in Roseville, Minnesota.

Early in his career, Gary received his CPM and while working full time completed his Bachelor's degree from the University of St. Thomas. He worked various management positions at software companies developing close friendships during those years. After being in the corporate world, Gary joined the nonprofit sector becoming the Head of Discipleship at the Union Gospel Mission where he poured into the lives of many men. While working there, he noticed a gap between men who had completed recovery programs and independent living. To bridge that gap, he started the non-profit organization Sanctuary Homes with the goal to provide spiritual support, close-knit community, and affordable housing to men who had completed recovery programs.

Gary loved watching and caring for the birds in his yard. For a time he hand-crafted numerous bird houses to encourage them to nest in the yard. In the summers Gary loved fishing at the family cabin or taking trips to Canada with dear friends from his church where they would fellowship and fish together.

Gary was a man of unwavering faith, resting in the salvation and saving grace of Jesus Christ. He demonstrated a daily walk with Jesus through prayer, knowledge of God's word, and a deep care for God's people, especially those who were often overlooked.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents Glenn & Carrol Schroeder and his sisters Barbara Schroeder and Jane Martin.

Gary is survived by his wife Wilma, his children Geoffrey (Gressa) Schroeder, Emily Willis, and Rachel (Binod) Gaire, and his grandchildren Mikayla Schroeder, Garret Schroeder, Abigail Schroeder, Luke Willis, Sanjay Gaire, and Roshan Gaire along with his siblings Mary Schroeder and Thomas Schroeder.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on February 27 at Calvary Church in Roseville. There will be a visitation at 10:00 followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00. A reception will be held after the service. Memorials can be made to World Vision or Calvary Church.