Ronald received his primary education in Manning and then attended college at Drake University in Des Moines. After earning his BSBA from Drake in 1966, Ron enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He was selected for Officers Training School (OTS) by competitive examination and received his training at Lackland AFB, Texas. Upon completion of OTS he was commissioned a second lieutenant and assigned to George AFB, California, for duty. Lt. Schroeder served in the Tactical Air Command, which provided battlefield firepower, precision jet photo reconnaissance and air mobility for our nations ground forces.
While at George AFB, Ron became a first lieutenant and was assigned back to Lackland AFB for duty. At Lackland AFB, First Lt. Schroeder received the U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal. He was decorated for meritorious service as an administrative officer and cited for outstanding professional skill and initiative with the 479th Field Maintenance Squadron at George AFB, California. Ron's duties this time at Lackland AFB were as an education and training officer at OTS where he earned the rank of captain and was eventually discharged in December of 1970.
Wednesday at McLaren's Funeral Chapel in West Des Moines. Private burial will be later in the Manning Cemetery.
Mr. Schroeder was born in Manning, Iowa, October 19, 1943, graduating from High School in 1962, and had lived in West Des Moines since 1972. He was president of Custom Renovation, founder and past chairman of Des Moines Area Remodelers Council, and second vice president and a member of the board of directors of Homebuilders Association. He was an Air Force Veteran.
He is survived by his wife, Ruthann; a daughter, Libby Schroeder Watkins of Galveston, Texas; a son, Brian of Austin, Texas; two step-sons, Dan Humiston of Minneapolis, and Darin Humiston of Oklahoma City; his parents, Merlin and Florence (Karsten) Schroeder of Manning; a brother, Keith of Manning; and a grandchild.
The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at
the funeral chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society.
Des Moines Register, September 6, 1999