Gerald “Gary” Schroeder passed away on July 20, 2025, at the age of 82.
Gary was born on October 30, 1942, in McPherson, Kansas, to Lyle and Dorothy (Houston) Schroeder. He spent his early years in McPherson before the family moved to Salina for a short time. They later settled in Lincoln, Kansas, where Gary grew up and attended Lincoln high school.
Gary joined the U.S. Army and was stationed at a missile base in New Jersey for three years. It was during that time he met the love of his life, Gerry, who would become his wife of 63 years. They were married on January 27, 1962, and together raised two daughters, Kim and Ginger.
In 1964, Gary and Gerry moved to Salina with their six-month-old daughter, Kim. Gary began working at Dillon’s on South 9th Street. When the Southgate Dillon’s opened, he was promoted to meat market manager. In 1967, their second daughter, Ginger, was born. Over the years, Gary worked at several Dillon’s locations and ultimately retired from the Dillon’s on Iron Avenue after 40 years of service.
Though retired, Gary wasn’t ready to slow down. He took a job at Pettle’s Flowers, where he spent 19 years delivering flowers and brightening people’s days. He truly loved the job and the joy it brought others, only stepping away when his health declined.
Gerry lovingly called Gary her “Pooh Bear.” He adored spending time with his family and going on vacations—to the East Coast, Colorado, Worlds of Fun, and especially the lake, where he enjoyed boating, skiing, and fishing.
Gary and Gerry shared a deep love for dancing. They began taking country and western dance lessons and became part of a close-knit group of friends who danced together at events like Santa Fe Days and other community gatherings.
Gary also enjoyed visiting casinos, buying lottery tickets, attending concerts, tending to his yard, and caring for his flowers. Many evenings were spent on the front porch swing with Gerry, watching the cars go by and simply enjoying each other’s company.
To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was “Papa”—always ready with cookies and ice cream after school. He took great pride in attending their school events, games, and activities, always showing up with love and support.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle Schroeder and Dorothy Claussen; his brother-in-law, Fred Fuller; and his sister-in-law, Shirley Schroeder.
He is survived by his loving wife, Gerry of Salina; daughters Kim Maguire (Todd) of Abilene and Ginger Jones (Dave Moravec) of Salina; siblings Sue (Richard) Lantz, Judy Fuller, Bob Schroeder, Lyla Schroeder, and Lynne (Jim) Fink; grandsons Brandon (Rashae) Shippy, Jerry Dix III, Gavin Jones, and Mason Jones; great-grandsons Khristian Bountz and Jayce Dix; great-granddaughters Shiana Shippy, Delilah Shippy, Clara Shippy, and Nora Shippy; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Ryan Mortuary, with a rosary beginning at 6 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 16, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 1000 Burr Oak Dr., Salina, Kansas.
Memorial contributions may be made in Gary’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St., Salina, KS 67401.
Gary—Pooh Bear, Papa—will be deeply missed.