Leo Luke Schroeder

Leo Luke Schroeder, 94, passed away Sunday June 21, 2015 at his home in Polson, Montana. Leo was born June 24, 1920 in Dodge, North Dakota to Fred and Dorothy (Marquardt) Schroeder. Leo attended school and graduated from Dodge High School in 1938. Leo then attended Dickerson State College and received a North Dakota State Teaching Standard in 1939. While in college, Leo joined the National Guard and served in K Company 164th Infantry. From 1939 to 1941 Leo taught school in North Dakota in a one room school house teaching grades 1-8 earning $60/month.

Leo was inducted into the U.S. Army at Fort Snelling, Minnesota on October 8th, 1942. He was sent to Fort McClellan, Alabama to do basic training. Leo entered officer cadet school and was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia in January 1943. Leo graduated in April 1943 commissioned as 1st Lieutenant in the 1st Battalion of the 25th Infantry U.S. Army. While stationed there Leo met and later married Marion Gramm in July 1943. The following year they became proud parents of their daughter Cynthia. Leo and Marion enjoyed many years together until her death in 1977.

Leo was initially sent to Hawaii and trained new troops in jungle school camp. He was called to active duty in WWII to serve in the Pacific tour on the islands of Tinian, Saipan, Marshall, and Gilbert. He led an assault landing at Wykiama, Japan; the same day General MacArthur was signing the peace treaty in Yokohama Harbor, Japan. Leo continued to serve until his discharge August 13, 1946.

Leo moved to Missoula, Montana to attend the University of Montana in 1945 and graduated in 1948 with a B.A. in education. He moved to Shelby, Montana and taught math, coached and refereed basketball games. He continued his education at the University of Southern California in 1949 and graduated with a Master's in education in 1951. He returned to Missoula where he taught math at Lowell School. He served as principal at Lowell School from 1960 until 1974 then transferred to serve as principal at Emma Dickinson until retiring in 1979. During his high school and entire educational career he was involved in sports in some capacity either playing, coaching or officiating.

On May 29, 1979 Leo married Myrtle Tucker and moved to Kings Point on Flathead Lake. They enjoyed traveling on motorcycle, golfing and entertaining their many friends. Leo was an avid golfer most of his life. He was Missoula Country Club champion in 1955 and won several other tournaments. He played guitar and sang in a band for years. Even in later years, he would bring out his guitar and sing for family and friends. Leo was an amateur ham radio operator and communicated with friends all over the world. Leo enjoyed bee keeping and harvested and processed many gallons of honey. Leo donated all his beekeeping equipment to Lowell School for his students to enjoy. Leo was a life member of the Elks Club and the Veterans of Foreign War.

Leo truly appreciated all his friends at the "bakery", with many hours being spent storytelling and problem solving. Leo was an eternal optimist and could always bring a smile to your face. He was a joy to talk with and had a way of making you feel special. Leo could start up a conversation with a total stranger and come away with a new friend. He truly cared about his family and friends and accepted you for who you were. His warmth, kindness, compassion and genuine interest will be extremely missed.

A special thank you to his Hospice nurse, Debbie, who was so good to Leo; to Dr. Vizcarra and his team at St. Luke's Community Clinic in Ronan; to the doctors and staff and the V.A. in Missoula.

Leo is survived by his wife Myrt, daughter Cynthia (Lee) Vaughn, stepdaughter Jodie (John) Mackey, stepson Gary (Becky) Tucker, stepson Ronald (Lynda) Gress, son-in-law Steve Lutz. Grandchildren Janell and Devony, Jessica (Brian) Overbaugh, Garrett Tucker, Marissa Tucker, Michael Martin, and friend Kelli Brazington, Mariah (Rod) Luamanu, sister-in-law Shirley Schroeder, niece MaryAnn Tremper (Robert) Mosely and son Nathan, and five great grandchildren.

Leo was preceded in death by his first wife Marion, brother Dan Schroeder, and sister Helen Tremper.

The Lake Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 1 pm at the Polson Bay Golf Course club house. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Polson Junior Golf 111 Bayview Dr. Polson, MT 59860 or the American Cancer Society.

Read Leo Schroeder's Obituary and Guestbook on www.groganfuneralhome.com.