After faithfully serving the Zumbrota community as a Police Officer for 18 years and serving as a member of the Zumbrota Fire Department for many years before medically retiring at the end of 2020, Officer Gary Schroeder Jr. fought a difficult yet courageous battle against PTSD attained in the line of duty. Gary was very proud of his service and struggled greatly with no longer being able to serve in the same capacity. The darkness he witnessed on this earth overtook him, and he was brought into the Lord's light on Monday April 17, 2023.
On April 4, 2024, the City Council voted unanimously to declare April 17th of every year as "Gary Schroeder Jr. Memorial Day." In honor of his memory, the city would also like to construct a "Gary Schroeder Jr. Memorial" outside of the Police Station. The memorial was thoughtfully designed by Jake Raasch, owner of Countryside Lawn & Landscape. Gary was an employee at Countryside Lawn and Landscape at the time of his passing.
Donors who contribute $500 or more to the Gary Schroeder Jr. Memorial will be honored with a personalized 6"x9" engraved paver that will be prominently displayed at the memorial site. This paver will serve as a lasting tribute to their generosity and support, ensuring that their contribution is recognized and celebrated by all who visit the memorial. The engraved paver will feature the donor's name, along with a personal message or message of remembrance, creating a tangible and meaningful way for them to be a part of this important community initiative. By investing in the memorial, these donors will play a crucial role in preserving the legacy of Gary Schroeder Jr. and ensuring that his memory and the impact he had on the community will be remembered for generations to come.
