Ronald Charles Schroeder

Ronald Charles Schroeder

July 3, 1944 – December 14, 2025

Ronald Charles Schroeder Sr. passed away on December 14, 2025, following a long and courageous battle with prostate cancer. He departed this earth as he lived his life: surrounded by the warmth and presence of his loving children.

A Life of Art and Craft Born in Compton, California, Ron’s journey as a creator began at the age of 14 at his Aunt Katie Graue’s bakery. Starting as the "cleanup kid," he soon discovered a natural gift for art that transformed him into a master cake decorator. It was this talent that first caught the eye of Delores Robertson, the mother of his children, as she watched a handsome young man decorating cakes through the bakery window.

Ron found profound joy in working with his hands. He took pride in the "hard and meaningful" work of a baker and remained a creative force until his final days, developing new recipes even in the weeks preceding his passing. His reputation was such that people traveled from far and wide for his designs—including a birthday cake for President Richard Nixon.

Beyond the bakery, Ron was a gifted painter. He often joked that his proudest professional moment was when two of his paintings were stolen from galleries; to Ron, there was no higher praise than someone wanting his art enough to break the law for it.

A Free Spirit, A true adventurer, Ron was a singer, songwriter, musician, mechanic, and outdoorsman. Whether he was playing music in restaurants with his beloved Diane, riding his bicycle, or feeling the wind on his motorcycle, he lived with an enviable sense of freedom. He was the man who could fix anything and the father who taught his family the value of a spirited life.

Family and Legacy Ron is preceded in death by his brother, John Ivan Schroeder, and the love of his life, Diane King. He is also reunited with his precious chickens, whom he dearly loved: Gertrude, Fatty Pattie, Skinny Mini, Mr. Rooster, Baby Chicken, Peanut, and Pumpkin.

He is survived by:

His siblings; Older brother Richard James Schroeder and older sister, Margaret Elaine Prossen.  His children; Lean Rasmussen, Ronald Schroeder Jr., Eric Schroeder, Matthew Schroeder, AnneMarie Johnson and Jenna Gadelha.  His former wives; High school sweetheart, Sandy Case and the mother of his children, Delores Robertson.  His legacy; 15 wonderful grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.  

Final Ride The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the countless healthcare providers who assisted Ron during his cancer journey. You were truly angels on earth to him.

Per Ron’s strict (and humorously threatened) request, no formal funeral services will be held. Instead, his cremated remains will take one last ride home in the saddlebag of his Fat Boy Harley Davidson. His immediate family will gather privately to share stories, laughter, and the immense love they carry for him.