Robert Harold Schroeder

Robert Harold Schroeder, 87, died on April 22, 2026 at University Retirement Community Health Center in Davis from complications after a fall.

Bob was born on Sept. 5, 1938, in Northwood, N.D., the first child of Paul and Lois Schroeder. When his father was killed in a farm accident in 1942, his mother moved the family to Grand Forks, N.D., although Bob and his brother spent summers and vacations on the farm, which he regarded as his true home. In 1950 the family moved to San Jose. After graduating from James Lick High School, Bob enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy four years. Aboard the U.S.S. Salisbury Sound he worked as an electrician’s mate.

During boot camp he met Lynn Skiles through mutual friends. They married in 1960 in Lynn’s home town of Escalon. With her encouragement and support, he graduated from Modesto Junior College in 1963 and from Cal Poly in 1966 with a degree in soil science.

During his college career children Paul and Laurie were born. After graduation he worked as a soil scientist for the State of California and the family lived in Paso Robles. With a career change in 1967 he went to work for Harris-Moran Seed Co. as a plant breeder, first in Hollister and then in Davis. He earned a master’s degree in plant science from UC Davis in 1985. At the research farm he worked as a plant breeder, specializing in melons; then as plant manager and in product development. He retired in 2003 after 36 years with the company.

Bob was passionate about swimming. He belonged to Davis Aquatic Masters for more than 20 years and competed in swim meets, open-water swims at Lake Berryessa, Donner Lake, and did the Lake Tahoe relay several times.

Faith and family were central to Bob’s life. He was an elder in Fremont Presbyterian Church, Sacramento. He went on three mission trips to Ethiopia to bring safe water to a village there. He was part of Prison Fellowship ministry. He was a volunteer CASA for the Yolo County Court Appointed Special Advocate Program, and a volunteer for Citizens Who Care of Davis. He was a hard worker, a devout Christian, and a loyal friend. He enjoyed collecting coins and was diligent in studying the Bible. Always interested in genealogy, he was a Son of the American Revolution. Above all, he cherished time with his family. His mother had always said to “make beautiful memories”. He took her advice and enjoyed planning many family vacations.

He is survived by Lynn, his wife of 65 years; son Paul (wife Linda); daughter Laurie (Miller, husband Jerry); grandchildren Abigail, Stephanie, Beth and Grace Schroeder, Rob Miller, (wife Yamileth), great-grandson James Miller, Sara La Madrid, (husband Noah). He is also survived by a sister, Judy, of Bloomington, Ind., and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Tom.

The memorial service will be held at Fremont Presbyterian Church, 5770 Carlson Dr., Sacramento, on Saturday May 9th at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Christian Veterinary Mission or the charity of your choice.