Gary Schroeder
August 17, 1949 - January 24, 2023
Tribute
It is with hope and sadness that the family of Gary Schroeder announces his passing on January 24th, 2023 at the age of 73. Gary was beloved by all, and a man who deeply loved God and his family.
Gary was born on August 17th, 1949 in Carrot River, Saskatchewan to John and Tena Schroeder. He had one sister and five brothers. At age 5, he moved with his family to Mission, BC where he attended school and worked on the family farm. He graduated from Abbotsford Senior Secondary School and by then, had already started his career with Safeway.
In 1972, he met his best friend Karin, and by 1973 they were married. During his years at Safeway, he also ran two tax offices. He ended his working years selling cars, and his delight was to find the best deal he could. On that note, his joy was always to find ways to help others.
In 2002 he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, which changed both his life, and his loved ones’ lives.
There are so many things that we will all miss about Gary. He was actively involved in church and was a man of prayer. He loved coaching all of his children’s various sports and loved to suggest a trip to Dairy Queen after a win. If you were to ask him what he was proud of, it would be his children, his grandchildren, or his jokes. His ability to recount all of the holes he had played at the golf course later turned into recounting all of his moves in his most recent game of crib.
Though he was constantly moving and shaking, he remained steadfast in his love for God, his family, and those in need. There was a sparkle in his eye around family, humour, and sharing ice cream and sweet treats. The sparkle only dimmed if you left a footprint on his freshly and perfectly cut lawn.
Over the last few years, Gary’s world grew smaller and smaller. His body, his capacity, and his speaking slowly became more and more difficult. Yet if you had seen him being wheeled around, even just a few months before his passing, he would have answered “never been better” to the question of “how are you doing”?
He was always a man of great joy, deep worship, and genuine humour.
Gary is survived by his wife Karin, 4 children Lynette (Tom Roes), Greg (Danielle Vanbeselaere), Kirsten (Malcolm Campbell), Nadine, 14 grandchildren Lucas, Sarah, Jillian, Carrie, Naomi, Grady, Alexander, Eliana, Aubree, Cassandra, Rachel, Mattias, Kateryna, Gunnar, and 2 brothers Jake (Bev) and Wes (Holly).
Service to be held at South Abbotsford Church on February 3rd at 3:30pm.
Donations can be made to Parkinson Society British Columbia in his memory. https://www.parkinson.bc.ca/donate/
Condolences
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From: Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home
Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Vijay Manuel
Dear Karin, Kirsten, & Family. I’m praying for you all during this time of great loss. May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ cover you all, and through your grief and remembering, may your faith be strengthened. Much love, Vijay Manuel
“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
Psalms 16:8
From: Betty-Lou DeFehr
Relation: Karin was the Beautiful face I would see early in the morning at Menno Home where we worked.
Hi Karin. I saw the obituary in the paper and my heart sank and at the next thought was Glory to God for His everlasting Love and care through the loss of Gary,your best Friend..I miss you my Friend.Please take care and my prayers with be of comfort and peace to you and your Family…Love Betty-Lou 🤍
From: Doug and Tracey Bauman and family
Relation: A sister to Gary's son-in-law
Our condolences and love to you all.
From: Linda Berti - Your Car Girl
Relation: Friend
I was fortunate to do car sales together with Gary and always enjoyed our interactions! They involved helping people get the best possible deal while having fun. He was a terrific guy. My heart goes out to his family.
From: Garth & Peggy Klassen
Relation: friends
What a beautiful tribute to Gary’s life and faith in Jesus you have written. We consider ourselves blessed to have known Gary and his sparkle and sense of humour. As you adjust to life without him for now, may you be comforted and encouraged by the anticipation of the wonderful reunions Jesus has made possible for those who know him. We are praying for you. Love, Garth & Peggy
From: Christa Ediger
Relation: Parkinsons support group, through our children
Karin and family, my heart felt condolences to you, Gary will be missed.
From: Cameron Friesen
Relation: Friend
Dear Karin, Kirsten, & Family
Our condolences to you and your family. We will miss Gary and how he always greeted us with a friendly and welcoming smile. He was always so happy to see you. We pray that God will provide you with his peace and grace during this difficult time.
Cam and Leslie Friesen
From: Darlene Thiessen
Relation: friend
Gary was light-hearted and loved to remind my daughter Shauna of when he first met her and asked, “how are you?” Shauna thought Gary asked, “how old are you?”, so Shauna enthusiastically answered, “Six!” So that forever became Gary’s nickname for Shauna, and he would say, “How are you doing Six?” Gary made us smile at church and when we came year after year to have our taxes prepared by him. Karin, Lynette, Greg, Kirsten and Nadine – this wonderful man, husband and father was a blessing to your family and this earth. He will truly be missed. Our heartfelt sympathies, Darlene and Shauna Thiessen.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
Date & Time:
February 3, 2023
Beginning at 3:30pm
Location:
South Abbotsford Church
32424 Huntingdon Road
Abbotsford, BC Canada
32424 Huntingdon Road
Abbotsford, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
Memorial donations will be gratefully accepted to:
Donations can be made to Parkinson Society British Columbia in his memory. https://www.parkinson.bc.ca/donate/
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered directly through our supplier for delivery throughout the entire lower mainland, from Hope to Vancouver:
Wiebe & Jeske Funeral Home
202-31314 Peardonville Rd.
Abbotsford BC
V2T 6K8
info@wiebeandjeskefh.com
604-859-5885
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the address/phone number of the delivery location for handy reference.
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