Erwin H. Schroeder, 95 of Flagstaff, Arizona passed away on March 13, 2007. Erwin was born on October 30, 1911 in Okarche, Oklahoma. He became a resident of Escondido, California in 1923 and lived in Escondido and Valley Center, California for 72 years before relocating to Arizona.
In his late teenage years, he went into the tractor business specializing in developing sites for citrus and avocado groves in the Escondido valley. After the groves were planted, he continued to provide the necessary tractor work. In 1945, he became a licensed General Building Contractor and built many of the finer custom homes in this time period in North San Diego County.
Concurrently, he operated his own cabinet shop located on his ranch, which built the finest high quality cabinets for his homes under construction. His standards for excellence were always the highest and the phrase "Schroeder Built" was often used by his clients when selling their homes. Being a draftsman and creating the plans for his custom homes was always a challenge that he truly loved. In 1986, he became a licensed architect in the state of California and continued for many years to operate in this capacity.
One of Erwin's favorite leisure time endeavors in his younger years was a 17 year stint as a fast pitch softball pitcher for the Lutheran team. This was in an era when fast pitch was a major attraction at Finney Field with very sizable and enthusiastic crowds in attendance. His brother, Leonard, was the catcher, which made for a very savvy and talented duo.
One of his absolute greatest joys was the raising, training and showing of his trick horse, Diamond Duke. Duke was an incredibly fine trick horse that would perform 34 – 40 tricks in a typical 30 minute show. Erwin was a member of the Escondido Valley Riders. Duke was often featured at their horse shows and frequently a participant in the parades of Escondido. One of Erwin's favorite good will gestures was taking Duke to the local elementary schools and putting on a horse show for the students. Even in his last days, Erwin would extend an invitation to everyone around him to watch the treasured movies of Duke's performances. This was an incredibly close relationship between a man and a horse that lasted a wonderful 29 years.
He represented the absolute best as a friend, father, father-in-law and grandfather and will be deeply missed. Eva, his wife of 56 years, preceded Erwin in death. His two sons survive him, Don, of Scottsdale, AZ and Jim of Flagstaff, AZ. Also surviving is a sister, Althea Holm of Oceanside, CA. His four grand children are; Mike Schroeder of Rossmoor, CA, Sherri Schroeder of San Diego, CA, Krista Renning and Jennifer Evans of Flagstaff, AZ. Also surviving him are eight great grandchildren, Hayden Renning, Kyle Renning, Natalie Renning, McKenzie Evans, Megan Evans and Camryn Evans of Flagstaff. Mic and Cassandra Schroeder of Rossmoor, CA. Special thanks go to Jim's wife, Claudia Schroeder for the exceptional care and love she provided to Erwin in his final years.
Memorial services will be held at Norvel Owens Mortuary Saturday, March 17, 2007 at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 1-800-457-6676.