Obituary of Daniel John Schroder

On September 11, 2021, Daniel J. Schroder left this world doing the thing he loved, enjoying the lake. Dan was born on March 5, 1966, in Stillwater, Minnesota to parents Frank and Arlene Schroder, the youngest of four children. Dan grew up in Calumet, Michigan attending Calumet High School and playing hockey. Dan graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1989 where his gregarious personality and outgoing nature created lifelong friends and memories. In 1989, while attending college, Dan met Holly, the love of his life and wisely married her three years later. Dan started his teaching career in Flint and then moved back to Calumet when he and Holly married. Dan’s personality made him a great fit for sales and that is where he eventually built a successful career primarily selling advertising and business listings. Dan was in high demand and often recruited working for several different companies and living in several different cities and states - Green Bay, Boise, Kansas, Chicago, Ohio. Over the years, he shared his sales skills with many colleagues, mentoring and helping many sales careers get started or flourish, and expanding his large network of friends. Dan and Holly were blessed with two sons, Evan born in 1992 and Cooper born in 1998. Dan’s boundless energy found an outlet in supporting his sons as a hockey coach and overall supporter and teacher life skills. In 2014 Dan and Holly moved to Idaho, quickly finding their happy place on Lake Coeur d’Alene. In the same year they were blessed with a grandson, Grayson. Dan and Grayson spent lots of time together playing board games and boating on Lake Coeur d Alene. Dan is survived by his wife Holly, his sons Evan and Cooper, his grandson Grayson, his brother David and his sister Beth. Dan was preceded in death by his brother Dale. His mother, Arlene Schroder, also passed away on September 11, 2021. Dan loved life and was always surrounded by friends as his playful nature, his laughter and his humor were irresistible in addition to his love of singing karaoke, playing softball, fishing, hunting, drinking diet Mountain Dew, and his belief he could beat everyone at cribbage. He was a steadfast friend who was always there for others in need and had a way of bringing a smile to everyone’s face no matter what the situation was. Dan never complained and always had a kind word for everyone. Dan’s daily parting motto was “Make it a day,” which he did for so many people. We are comforted in knowing in heaven, Dan will be providing fun and humor everywhere. Whether you knew him by Danny, Sarge, Danno, Dan the Man or simply Dan, all who knew him are looking forward to the time, in heaven, when we will see him again, holding a seat for us at the corner of the bar, and with a sideways glance and smirk saying “Hello Sunshine” as he greets us with a cold beverage. Until then, we will miss you and we will carry on your spirit of love and laughter. Rest in Peace. A life celebration will occur on Sunday October 3rd in Rockford Bay on Coeur d Alene Lake. Starting at 11:30 am, there will be a memorial boat brigade from Shooters docks toward Harrison and back. At 2 pm will be a life celebration at Shooters Bar and Grill. Please bring a memory and a story to share as we celebrate Dan’s life. Donations to assist the Schroder family can be made at the following Go Fund Me link https://gofund.me/d00ed5f1.