Donald Bertram Schroeder

Donald Bertram Schroeder, known affectionately as Don, Papa, Pops, Big D, was born on February 20, 1933, in San Francisco, California. He passed away on January 25, 2025, in Lincoln, California, surrounded by his beloved family who shared their love for him during his final moments.

Don led a remarkable life, marked by a deep commitment to family and community. His entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly as the owner of Bert Schroeder men's clothing store in Town Country Village, San Jose, CA. Don began his career there in 1955, shortly after his discharge from the Army, while he attended San Jose State. For over 40 years, Bert Schroeder's became a staple in the local community, with various locations including Town & Country in San Jose, Palo Alto, Vallco Fashion Park in Cupertino, and St Croix stores in Valley Fair in San Jose, Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto and Union Square in San Francisco. The store expanded to include high-end women's fashion and junior/misses apparel during the 1970s. Family was integral to his work, with many family members contributing, especially during the festive Christmas season. A favorite memory for Don was all the Christmas Catalogues published over the years showing the latest fashion for sale that season. This was produced in collaboration with five other high end men's stores in the bay area. Many family members participated in these shoots over the years and it's a beautiful chronicling of the times. Following the closure of the men's store in 1995, Don semi-retired in Maui, where he embarked on a successful second career as a realtor, building lasting friendships while savoring the idyllic surroundings and glorious sunsets of West Maui.

Don's educational pursuits included attending Stanford University prior to his military service, and he later graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business from San Jose State University. He served as a Corporal in the United States Army from August 1953 to June 1955, stationed in Austria near the end of the Korean War. His height of 6'6" earned him a place on the inter-troop basketball league and he fondly recalled his travels across Europe while on leave.

An outdoor enthusiast, Don cherished skiing, backpacking, fishing, and playing tennis and golf. He fostered a love for nature within his family, creating cherished memories through these experiences. A genuine lover of a good meal, he particularly enjoyed barbecues with family and friends, making his favorite meatloaf, and topping it off with a good slice of berry pie.

His deep passion for sports was evident as a long time season ticket holder for the 49er's and Raiders and he loved a good baseball game with SF Giants or the Oakland A's, often bantering all week long with this friends and family on the outcomes of the game or who would make the playoffs. Known for his fun-loving, optimistic approach to life, Don was a natural conversationalist who could make instant connections, showing deep care for those around him. He always loved a good joke and was a bit of prankster.

Among his proudest accomplishments were his family: his three sons, Doug Schroeder, David Schroeder, Mike Schroeder and his daughter, Christa Troxell, alongside their respective families, including his grandchildren, Kyle, Cara, Michela, Cory, Sam, Austin and Stoney and several great-grandchildren: Brecken, Dakota, and Mylo. Don's legacy continues through the love he shared and the values he instilled in those generations. He also had an endearing relationship and friendship with his two former wives, Sandy Clancy and Barbara Hensley.

He was predeceased by his father, Bertram Schroeder; mother, Pauline Schroeder; and sister, Marti Schroeder.

Donald Bertram Schroeder’s life was a testament to love, determination, and connection. He leaves behind a profound legacy in both his family and the communities he touched throughout his life. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him. 

A private family celebration of life will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to preserving our great outdoors through the Yosemite Conservancy Fund or your charity of choice.