Robert McKay Schroeder, 100, of Sioux Falls

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SIOUX FALLS — Robert McKay Schroeder, 100, of Sioux Falls, and formerly of Miller, passed away Sunday, May 28, 2023, at Avera Prince of Peace in Sioux Falls, surrounded by his family.


Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 2, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Miller, with Father Paul Josten, celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Ann’s Cemetery.  


Bob was born in Miller on May 14, 1923, to Alfred and Ann (McKay) Schroeder. He grew up in Miller, surviving a serious infection at age four resulting in surgical removal of a portion of a lung. He was involved in numerous activities including athletics, music and scouting. He was only able to play football his senior year after a special pad was constructed to protect his lung surgery site. Bob won a state championship and set a school record in the 100-yard dash in 1941, the year he graduated from Miller High School.


Attending the University of South Dakota, he played varsity basketball for three years. Due to a shortage of teachers, he was asked to return to Miller to teach and coach in the Fall of 1944. He remained at Miller High School for the next 41 years, teaching many classes including social studies, economics, civics, and bookkeeping. In 1949, he married Edie Donlin, also a Miller native. Together they raised four sons. Edie passed away from cancer in 1976.


Bob’s coaching of MHS football teams for 30 years resulted in 8 undefeated seasons, 13 conference championships, and winning streaks of 29, 19, and 18 games. His 1946 team was considered one of the best in the nation. In basketball, he coached five straight State B Tournament teams, including an undefeated State Championship in 1949. He coached basketball until 1964.  In track, he had 10 conference championships and several individual state champions in his 30 years of coaching. Bob was honored with numerous Hall of Fame inductions including the S.D. Sports Hall of Fame, the USD Coyote Hall of Fame, as well as the football and basketball coaches and Miller High School Halls of Fame. He was the S.D. High School Coach of the Year in 1949 and 1967. The MHS athletic complex was named Bob Schroeder Field in his honor.
He became the school principal in 1974 and continued that position until his retirement in 1985. His career allowed him to associate with students, teachers, administrators, parents, and fellow coaches.  He described that time as “enjoyable and memorable”. Bob was an avid and talented golfer, winning a number of tournaments and club championships and helping coach and start the MHS golf program.  He played and coached baseball at many levels and helped in the formation of a wrestling program in Miller.


Following retirement, he married a friend from college, Verlyn Boyd, in 1986. They lived in Miller until 2008 when they moved to Prince of Peace in Sioux Falls. They enjoyed many travels together before Verlyn passed away in 2014. Bob was active in the community, including serving as a Hand County Commissioner. He was involved in the Catholic Church and was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He enjoyed singing, dancing and playing cards. As is true with many teachers and coaches, he developed lifelong friendships with coaches, a number of his players and students, striving always to remain a role model for them.
He lost some of his memory during his last year or so, but he never lost his fine character - kind, witty, and polite always. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity, humor and love that will forever touch the lives of those he knew.


Survivors include his sons: Steve (Connie) of Miller, Al (Mary Ann) of Sioux Falls, Pat (Terry Engebretson) of Sioux Falls, and Greg (Marlene) of Sioux Falls; grandchildren: Paul Schroeder (Laura) of Sioux Falls, Erica (Eric) Ramsey of Sioux Falls, Tom Schroeder of Sioux Falls, Meredith Schroeder of Chicago, Alex (Sarah) Schroeder of Sioux City, Adam Schroeder of Sioux Falls, Melissa Schroeder of Sioux Falls, Jess (Tom) Carlson of Sioux Falls, and Sara (Andrew) Weckman of Sioux Falls; 12 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.


Bob was preceded in death by his parents; spouses: Edie Schroeder and Verlyn Boyd Schroeder; and sisters: Marion Schroeder and Barbara Alley.


Memorials can be directed to Miller Booster Club, 17997 Polo Dr, Orient, S.D. 57467 or the Miller Golf Course, P.O. Box 111, Miller, S.D. 57362.


Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Bob’s arrangements.  


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