Jerry Lynn Schroeder

Jerry Schroeder, son of Gailon (Butch) and Verna, was born and raised in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Big brother to sister, Gail (Dunahee).

Diverse interests and an adventurous spirit, along with influences from his dad and uncles Smokey and Charlie, led him from Wisconsin to gather life experiences in Alaska (including the 1964 earthquake) and eventually to Montana. With 'the wife' Darlinda he successfully owned and operated the Mountain Palace Bar and Caf, Sadie's Rooming House, and Columbia Mountain Storage. Jer was employed for many years at 3M Company, but because of a strong, ambitious German work ethic, he also held down a variety of sideline jobsairport maintenance, school bus driver, township assessor, garden stone manager, and hunter safety instructor to name a few.

He served as a proud member of the National Guard in Wisconsin, Alaska, and Montana.

A constant in his life was that he always remained a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan, and even became a shareholder in 2011.

He was a Life Member of the NRA and loved to hunt. Many a hunting experience was shared at "the cabin" in northern Wisconsin, as well as in Alaska and most recently Montana-filling a MT moose tag twice! Dar was a favorite hunting companion until she began naming the wildlife.

But by far, his greatest accomplish in life was the love he and Dar shared for their two daughters, Jill and Gretchen. A dad could not have been prouder of his "girls", especially now in their adult lives and with the guys that they married.

Jill (Keith Nemec), a forester, has Jers appreciation for nature AND inherited her dads green eyes.

Gretchen (Dale Hartung), a special education teacher, is the mother of Grandpa Jers grandchildren Bailey, Nathan, Lucas, and Jonathan.

Both gals acquired their dads unconditional love for animals, especially dogs and goats.

He taught them how to "hold their own", defending what is fair and right, both personally and politically.

He also taught them how to shoot a firearm.

A lifetime dream was realized when he and Dar purchased retirement property on the Bull River in NW Montanacontent whenever he could be on his Kubota tractor, mowing, cutting firewood, or gardening, turning 20 acres into a park-like setting. He often could be overheard singing as he snow-plowed their half-mile driveway.

Jer passed away peacefully at his MT "lodge", knowing full well that the beauty of the area will continue to heal our grief and give us the strength well need to go on.

At a special time, our family will trek to the top of Chicago Peak overlooking the MT homestead and allow the gentle winds to carry Jerrys ashes into the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness. We will also take a farewell hike into the Chequamegon National Forest along the banks of the Torch River, where Jer sat during hunting season and watched the otters play. Hell be there.

And as you read this, know that you are one of the many cherished friends that Jer encountered along his lifes journey. Even though our hearts are heavy with sadness of his passing, we each have fond memories to share and stories to tellthe best being that of Jers great sense of humorsomething even the cancer could never squelch!

With heartfelt appreciation for your friendship, thoughtfulness, and kindness,

Jers "Girls"

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