Douglas Schroeder

Douglas Fredrick Schroeder passed away peacefully in his sleep at home in Rochester, Minnesota, on March 3, 2026. Born in Minneapolis on October 10, 1947, to Milton and Lucille Schroeder and completed his education at John Marshall High School in Rochester in 1966.

Doug enlisted in the U.S. Navy on October 26, 1966, where he served as a Hospital Corpsman until his honorable discharge on August 10, 1970. Rising to the rank of Petty Officer Third Class, he spent time aboard the USS Iwo Jima, USS Okinawa, and USS New Orleans near Vietnam. His exemplary service earned him several distinctions, including the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal adorned with two bronze stars and Fleet Marine Force Combat Operations Insignia, and Vietnam Campaign Medal with device.

He married Deborah Lermon in Rochester on November 22, 1972, and together they raised two children, Michael and Jenna. Doug cherished his role as grandfather to Benjamin and Hailee and was well-known for his lively humor, fun-loving spirit, quick wit, and memorable laughter, making friends effortlessly throughout his life. He enjoyed outdoor activities, particularly fishing and embracing nature.

For over fifty years, Doug was committed to William T. McCoy American Legion Post 92 and also became a member of the Sons of American Legion Squadron 92 in Rochester.

Doug leaves behind his wife of fifty-three years, Deborah; son Michael (Jess); daughter Jenna; grandchildren Benjamin and Hailee. His surviving extended family includes sister Marjorie Smith; brothers Robert (Audrey) and Gary (Susan), all residing in Rochester; sisters-in-law Denise (Kevin) Blake, Darlene Smith, Dawn Wobschell, and Diane (Rick) Nerud; brother-in-law Dan (Theresa) Lermon; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, in-laws John and Bernice Lermon, brothers-in-law David Lermon, Tom Smith, Eldo Wobschall, and nephew Gary Schroeder, Jr.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday March 17, 2026, at Peace United Church of Christ (1503 2nd Ave. NE, Rochester, MN). Visitation will be Monday March 16, 2026, from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, with visitation on Tuesday one hour prior to services at the church. Burial with Full Military Honors will take place at Grandview Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Schroeder family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com

To honor Doug's memory, donations may be made to PossAbilities of Rochester, Invisible Wounds Project in remembrance of Gary L. Schroeder, Jr., or directed to a charity of the donor's choosing instead of flowers.

Micah 6:8 But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don't take yourself too seriously- take God seriously.