John SCHROEDER

1950 - 2023

March 15, 1950 - September 27, 2023

John Steven Schroeder had three great loves: his family, golf, and laughter. Constantly in motion, with an effervescent smile and a glimmer of mischief in his eyes, he worked his way through a room making everyone he greeted feel seen. He delighted in jokes and pranks, even at his expense. Life was to be enjoyed, and he brought the FUN.

John graduated early from Iowa State University in 1971 and married Dwyta in August of that year. After 14 years selling tires for Firestone and Armstrong, he joined his brother Fred in Honolulu and began a new career selling golf equipment. The brothers opened a store in Waikiki, and John became the distributor for Callaway Golf, selling their equipment in Hawaii, Guam, Saipan, and Samoa. John's work ethic was second to none, whether during his career, through his retirement as a volunteer USGA rules official (the realization of a great passion for John), or as a DIY builder and handyman. Every project deserved and received his one hundred percent, his commitment, and his unshakeable integrity. There was a "right way" to do business, to play golf, and to build, well, anything. He upheld this firm belief and abided by it consistently, earning him the respect of everyone he met.

For a man so invested in what was right and fair, this life has ended most unfairly. At 73, John leaves behind his wife Dwyta, his daughters Kelly and Julie, his sons-in-law Wayne and Andrew, and his four most beloved grandchildren Josh, Nathan, Lily, and Jack. "I had a good life, a great life," he said, and we agreed. We only wish it could have been so much longer.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Kalispell Country Club on Saturday, October 21 beginning at 4 pm. Donations in his memory can be made to the WA Golf Foundation (https://bit.ly/WaGolfSchroeder, indicate "in memory of John Schroeder" in the comment box) or to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (https://bit.ly/PFFSchroeder).