Dennis Joseph Schroeder, 71, of Columbia, passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024, at Boone Hospital Center.

He was born March 15, 1953, in Kirksville to Lawrence George and Mary Louise (Shubert) Schroeder.

Dennis was united in marriage to the love of his life, Vickie (Woods) Schroeder in Edina, Missouri on October 12, 1985.

Dennis worked diligently as a chemist for the majority of his career with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. A path that allowed him to combine his appreciation for the sciences with his love for the outdoors and care for the environment.

Ever the outdoorsman, Dennis liked to hunt and take the time raising his gardens or just enjoying time on the farm and spent countless summers waterskiing and boating with his family. When he wasn’t at the lake, Dennis could be found coaching his daughter’s soccer, tennis, or other sports teams, and received many prized awards and recognitions for his leadership and instruction. He also refereed soccer games for many years, and regularly participated by coaching, refereeing, or supporting his daughter at the Show Me State Competitions. In his down time, Dennis loved to travel or camp with his family. He was constantly supportive of his daughter, Ashley, and was sure to involve her and the family in his interests.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Vickie; and their daughter, Ashley (Alexander) Richards, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be a celebration of life from 2-4 p.m. Friday, December 6, 2024, at Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested in Dennis’ name to support Pawsitive Tails dog rescue (www.pawsitivetailskc.org) which Dennis admired Alex and Ashley for volunteering with, or to Powell Gardens (www.powellgardens.org) which Dennis loved spending time at with his family.

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City. trimblefunerals.com