Gene J. Schroeder

1925 - 2011

Gene Jerome Schroeder, 85

Sauk Rapids, MN

formerly of Dothan, AL

March 24, 1925 - March 12, 2011

Funeral Services will be 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Sauk Rapids for Gene J. Schroeder, age 85, who died Saturday, March 12, 2011 at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center. Rev. Al Stangl will officiate and burial will be at a later date in Dothan, Alabama. Friends and relatives may call from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Sauk Rapids.

Gene was born on March 24, 1925 in Aitkin, MN to Fred and Rose (Zimmer) Schroeder. They later moved to St. Cloud where he graduated from Tech High School in 1942. Gene was a WW II veteran serving his county in the U.S. Navy from 1942-1946 as a Fire Control Chief aboard the USS Cowpens, USS Croatan, USS Chester, and USS George McKinzie. He was married to Mary Dupre in April of 1946 in Washington D.C. Gene Made his living as an aircraft mechanic in the aviation industry and sidelined in auto mechanics. He lived in Dothan, AL for over 40 years. In 2009 he moved to Sauk Rapids to be close to family. Gene's life passion was music, playing guitar and golf. He was a member of the St. Colomba Catholic Church in Dothan, AL, the Knights of Columbus of Alabama and a life member of the Dothan Alabama VFW Post 3073.

Survivors include his brothers, Lee Schroeder of Sartell; Roman Schroeder of Waite Park; and David Schroeder of Sartell; and many nieces and nephews, including his nephew and caregiver Cameron Schroeder of Sauk Rapids. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Mary in 1987; son Darrell in 2007; 3 brothers and 2 sisters.

Obituary, Guest Book, and video tribute available online at: www.williamsdingmann.com