Donald Schroeder

Donald “Don” Borys Schroeder peacefully passed away at his home surrounded by love ones on February 9^th, 2023, in Mendon Utah.

Don was second-Generation Ukrainian-American born January 28,1944 in Lansing, Michigan. He was the youngest of three children whose father came from Germanic heritage. Along with his siblings, he spent most of his childhood growing up in Lansing, Michigan while enjoying extensive time in Ypsilanti Michigan on the family homestead.  

Don was a standout football player at Everett High School in Lansing. He later went on to play college football as a kicker at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah graduating with a Bachelor of Business in 1967. While attending BYU, he was introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and later baptized in the summer of 1963.

Joining the church changed his life. One of the biggest blessings was meeting his wife, Mary Lou Griggs, and marrying her September 9, 1966, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Don and Mary Lou had eight sons and two daughters. His love of missionary work continues throughout his posterity reaching all corners of the world. He loved all his children, helping any of them any way he could. His life was filled with his children’s wrestling, football, soccer games, as well as plays, musicals, and marching band competitions, assisting them any way possible at all times of the year.

Once Don was introduced to the gospel, there was no doubt about the truths it held for him. His dedication to the church, his callings and his testimony reflected his resolve and belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was never able to serve a mission in his youth, however his love for the church would reflect the next 60 years or more of his life in sharing his love for the LDS Church, Jesus Christ and the attornment to whomever would listen.

In his pursuit to spread the gospel, he connected with family in Eastern Europe. He made life changing visits to Ukraine and Poland, meeting extended family that had lost contact generations earlier when their ancestors emigrated to the United States. This began his quest of completing the temple work for over 1,000 ancestors.

In 2018, the dream of serving a mission finally became a reality. Elder and Sister Schroeder had the privilege to serve in the Florida Jacksonville Mission. He had many callings in the LDS Church, however being a full-time missionary was his favorite.

His life motto was “Never give up,” and it served him well. His honesty pushed open many doors, both professionally and personally with his three great loves in life being his family, church and real estate. Don had an unshakable testimony of his Savior Jesus Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and will be waiting for his earthly family on the other side of the veil. He will continue his missionary work with his family on the other side, and welcome all to know the gospel as he did and never give up.

Don is survived by his wife of 57 years; 10 children; Gerd, Marvin, Jenai, Greg, Kirk, Justin, Adam, Natasha, Ben and Jon; 39 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by two other siblings Kaye and Dave Schroeder; grandson (Gage) and granddaughter (Taylor).

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 in the Mendon Stake Center, 460 South 100 East in Mendon.  A viewing will be held on Monday evening, February 13th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at White Pine Funeral Services, 753 South 100 East in Logan, and prior to the services on Tuesday at the stake center from 10:30 to 11:30 AM.  Burial will be in the Mendon Cemetery.  The family asks that donations be made to whatever charity or good cause they feel best represents Don’s storied life.
The service may be viewed via Zoom at: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81220619975