Professor David Schroeder

Professor David Schroeder, 66, died unexpectedly Jan. 28, 2015, while on a Caribbean cruise with his wife, Phyllis, to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary. Professor Schroeder was born Jan. 21, 1949 in Washington, D.C. to the late Leo W. and Janet Markel Schroeder.

He grew up in Baltimore, New Mexico, and California before enrolling at Valparaiso University as a member of Christ College – The Honors College, where he majored in theology and philosophy. On Jan. 31, 1970, he married Phyllis Larson Schroeder at the Chapel of the Resurrection. They moved to Stillwater, Okla., where Professor Schroeder served as director of Christian education at University Lutheran Chapel until 1984 among other roles in the Lutheran church.

He earned a bachelor of arts in humanities, a master’s in business education, and a Ph.D. in management information systems from Oklahoma State University. In 1988, Professor Schroeder returned to Valparaiso University to join the College of Business faculty as assistant professor of decision sciences. In 1994, he was promoted to associate professor.

During his tenure at Valpo, he served in a variety of roles, including as University Marshal for 17 years and Chair of the Faculty Senate and University Council. Together, he and his wife Phyllis also served in numerous capacities, including as residential ministers, coordinators of the Sunday morning prayer team, and as advisors of Alliance, the LGBTQ student organization. Professor Schroeder retired in May 2014.