Dr. Jerome D. Schroeder – Devoted educator, family man

Dr. Jerome D. Schroeder was born in El Paso, Texas, March 29,
1928 and passed Feb. 19 in the peace and comfort of his Windsor
home in the company of his wife, children and grandchildren. He
attended primary school in Long Beach, Cal. and joined the United
States Marine Corp in 1948. Jerome attended Humboldt County State
University majoring in Business with a minor in Economics,
achieving a Masters Degree in Education. His continued education
resulted in a Doctorate at the University of San Francisco in
Administration and Leadership.
For more than 36 years, Jerome devoted himself to a career in
education and support system for children in all areas including
sports, juvenile prevention, community service and adult education.
He taught elementary and high school and held the positions of head
football coach, dean of boys and head senior counselor in the
Fortuna School District for 12 years. During the next 12 years he
continued his career in Eureka, as principal of Zane Junior High
School, Eureka High School and the Adult Education Program. During
this time, he also started a Continuation High School program, a
Juvenile Hall School and detention center. In June 1977 he
relocated his family to Healdsburg. Hired by both the elementary
and high school boards for the position of assistant superintendent
of schools, Jerome began the final 12 years of his career in
Healdsburg. Upon the retirement of Bob Malone, Jerry was elevated
to the position of superintendent of schools. Many achievements,
goals and lifelong friends were attained while serving in this
capacity.
Always active in sports, Jerry played football and was chosen as
one of the 12 most outstanding seniors in the graduating class of
1952 with honorable mention as Pacific Coast half back. Throughout
his life Jerome will always be remembered as a lifelong supporter
and advocate for sports, music and arts in the schools and
community.
Volunteer work included: 10 years in Fortuna as secretary and
treasurer of the Rodeo Association, member of the Fortuna Chamber
of Commerce, president of Fortuna Kiwanis, and lieutenant governor
for division 20 in 1964. Jerry started the Late League Baseball for
Fortuna Youth. Served on the committee that started the Eureka
Rhododendron Festival, chairperson for two years. Secretary for the
local Red Cross, treasurer for Phi Delta Kappa, Humboldt County
Juvenile Prevention committee, acting chairman when completed
facility was presented to Humboldt County. Third president of the
newly organized Association of California School Administrators. He
presided over seven counties and was later chosen to represent at
the Califotnia State Representative Assembly, received the PTA
award for Humboldt County twice and Future Farmer of the Year while
in Fortuna, voted upon by the students. Co-recipient of the
Volunteer of the Year for Sonoma County. Jerry was known for his
famous crab Cioppino feed, held by the Healdsburg Rotary Club at
the Villa Chanticleer. He was actively involved with the Windsor
Kiwanis Club.
Survived and dearly missed by his loving and devoted wife of
over 37 years, Rita Marie Schroeder, brother Gordon Schroeder, son
and daughter-in-law Jeff and Linda Schroeder, daughter Laura
Schroeder, son and daughter-in-law Bud and Anne Schroeder, son and
daughter-in-law Randy and Debbie Burke, daughter and son-in-law
Loretta Schroeder and Dan Wilson, and preceded in death but dearly
missed son, Daniel Schroeder, 12 grand children and 10 great grand
children. There will be a Happiness of Life celebration, March 4,
from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Windsor Mobile Country Club, 8109 Conde
Lane, Windsor. Memorials or contributions can be made to: Windsor
Kiwanis, P.O. Box 1178, Windsor, CA 95492, in the name of Dr.
Jerome D. Schroeder.