Erwell “Chuck” Schroder, 83
Erwell Charles “Chuck” Schroder, 83, of Brandon, died Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, at the Avera McKennan Hospital after recent health issues.
Visitation with the family will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, at Heritage Lutheran Church, Brandon. A Celebration of Life will begin at 1 p.m. followed by Full Military Honors. A livestream link will be provided closer to the day of service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Chuck’s memory.
Chuck Schroder was born on June 30, 1938, to Erwell and Violet (Mares) Schroder, in Pontiac, Mich., and raised in Elgin, Ill., where he graduated high school. He then attended North Dakota State University to play football. He entered the Army on April 23, 1959, and served in the Korean Conflict. Upon his discharge, he married the love of his life, Lois Hansen on July 6, 1963, in Pipestone, Minn. They moved to Denver, Colo., for his job at Beneficial Finance, and eventually moved back to Renner, S.D., when he took a job with the SBA, working in the Agri-Business Banking sector. In 1970, the family moved to Brandon, where they raised their two children, Tina and Jeff. Upon his retirement, Chuck worked for Sunshine Foods.
Chuck was involved in many things, but his first love was his wife, Lois. They loved to travel and went on many trips and vacations. Camping was their main love and they did this as much as possible. Chuck and Lois also loved going out for dinner together and often times would celebrate holidays and anniversaries at their favorite restaurants.
Chuck’s second love was his family, especially his grandkids. He loved his granddaughters very much and bragged about them all of the time. He referred to them as “my two girls.” He attended all of their softball games and tournaments, hockey matches and graduations. He loved to attend state basketball tournaments to watch his son, Jeff, referee. Chuck also umpired amateur baseball and high school football. Chuck was also an outdoorsman. He loved to hunt deer and fish. His yearly fishing trip with the Sunshine staff was a highlight for over 40 years, which led to many lifelong friendships and memories. His deer hunting buddies out on the ranch West River are also another group that he considered his extended family.
Chuck will always be remembered as a servant friend. He was generally found moving snow, raking leaves, and mowing lawns for his neighbors and friends that needed help or were otherwise busy. He spent several years as a youth sponsor for the church youth groups, attending several camps and youth retreats. Chuck was also a lifelong member of the Sioux Falls East Side Kiwanis Club. He and Lois and his family participated in many years of summer and winter Kiwanis conventions and retreats.
He was an active member of Brandon Lutheran Church and then later, Heritage Lutheran Church.
Chuck will be deeply missed by his wife, Lois; his daughter, Tina Spielmann, Brandon; his son, Jeff (Larissa) Schroder, Brandon; two granddaughters, Jayde and Gaby, both of Brandon.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Erwell and Violet (Mares) Schroder; and one sister, Susan.
For online condolences, visit heartlandfunerals.com.
