Classmate Russell Schroeder passes away

Russ Schroeder's VCHS senior portrait

We're sad to report that our classmate and friend, Russ Schroeder passed away on May 20, 2020. He was a patient at Villa Maria Nursing Home in Fargo, N. Dak., and the cause of his death was COVID-19. He is the first of our Hiliners61 classmates to die from the pandemic virus, at least that we know of.

Russ was born to William and Sarah (Wright) Schroeder in Valley City, N. Dak., on July 10, 1942. He married Emily (Waddington) Schroeder on March 19, 1966. According to his obituary, "Russ loved fishing, hunting, and spending time with family and friends. He worked for many years with multiple youth programs; he loved working with kids and young adults. Russ always had a kind word and touched many lives.

"Russell is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Emily; his children, Julie (Royce Fenno) Fargo; Shannon (Brian) Morin and two grandchildren, Sterling Morin and Paige Morin, Fargo; as well as several nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and nephews.

"Russell is preceded in death by his parents, William and Sarah Schroeder, brother Dwight Schroeder, Sr.,a sister, Janice Fields, and granddaughter Madison Morin."

Russ was a friend of mine throughout our school years in Valley City and I wish I could have visited with him more often than I did. Russ and Emily attended our Hiliners61 "Lunch Bunch" at the Fargo Holiday Inn in 2015. For a photo and story of that event, click here.

There is a "guest book" area on the Boulger Funeral Home website where you can leave a tribute comment for Russell's family. To reach that obituary and the guest book, click here.

May God be with Emily and their family and may He bless the memory of Russell Schroeder. - Larry Gauper 5-23-202