Kenneth Schroeder, Jr

Kenneth "Ken" Schroeder Jr., age 75, passed away on February 2, 2016 at his home in Billings, Montana of complications from a total bypass surgery of his right leg. Kenneth Arnold Schroeder, Jr., was born on March 26, 1940 in Huron, SD to Kenneth A. Schroeder Sr., and Blanche Edna Christina (Oakland) Schroeder. He grew up in Watertown and graduated from Watertown High School in 1958 and attended Huron College through May 1960. Ken graduated from San Diego State University receiving his Bachelor's Degree. In September 1960 Ken was accepted into the U.S. Navy, Naval Aviation Cadet (NAVCAD) program and earned his "Navy Wings of Gold". He was commissioned as a helicopter pilot and served 30 years retiring as Captain, USNR. While in the Navy Ken served in the Pacific on aircraft carriers and did three tours of Vietnam chopper rescue. His second career began as a test pilot for Hughes Aircraft then as a pilot and Captain for United Airlines retiring in 2000 after 30 years of service. On December 31, 1999, he was joined in marriage to Lois Jane (Barker) Schroeder at Mount Rushmore, SD. He enjoyed living near the Black Hills for twenty-two years until moving to Billings, MT in 2015 due to health reasons. Ken was a passionate advocate for South Dakota hunting and fishing sportsmen as a District 3 Director/member of the South Dakota Wildlife Federation, past President/Director of the Black Hills Sportsman Club, and South Dakota Sportsman Against Hunger. He was also past President/Director of the Rapid City Downtown Lions Club. He loved singing in the choir at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid City, fishing and bird hunting, especially pheasant and duck. Surviving Ken are his wife of sixteen years, Lois, of Billings; sons, Kenneth and Brian, both of San Diego, CA; step-daughter, Lisa (Dr Brent) Reich, of Billings; sister, Loris (Frank) Martin, of Clifton Park, NY; brother, Mark (Linda) of Watertown, SD; step granddaughter, Liv Reich, of Billings; eight nieces and nephews; and numerous great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Donna Lindner; and brother-in-law, Roman Lindner. Cremation has taken place and a private family service was held on February 7, 2016 at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Billings. Ken's wishes were to have his ashes spread amongst his beloved South Dakota pheasant hunting grounds. The family has requested memorial's be made in Ken's name to either King of Glory Lutheran Church, 4125 Grand Ave, Billings, MT 59106-1729 or Rocky Mountain Hospice, 2110 Overland Ave, Suite 111, Billings, MT 59102.