Donna "Jean" Schroeder

donna
Donna “Jean” Schroeder, 89, Fargo, formerly of Davenport, passed away on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at Touchmark at Harwood Groves in Fargo. Jean was born on January 19, 1928 in Fargo, North Dakota. She graduated from Fargo Central High and earned her degree in Economics at NDSU. She and Darrol met at NDSU and married in 1953. Together they raised two children: their daughter Terry, who lives in Alexandria, Virginia, and their son, Mark, now deceased. They have two grandchildren, Nicholas (Robyn) Scherling of Ashburn, VA, Britta (Shawn) Schriener of Avon, MN and four beautiful great-grandchildren, Alex, Nora, Maverick, and Addison. Jean pioneered the Fargo publication called The Town Crier, which evolved into the Binford Guide. As an Air Force family, Jean and Darrol spent their early married years in Europe before returning to Davenport, North Dakota, where they lived for more than 30 years prior to making their home in Fargo. An ardent advocate of early childhood education, she established and taught the first kindergarten class at Davenport Elementary School. She loved traveling the world and was an owner and CEO of Carlson Travel of Fargo. Jean was active in her study club, Fort Nightly. She served on the boards of ShareHouse and the NDSU Foundation, and was active in the Canaan Moravian Church. Jean enjoyed all kinds of activities, games, and sports. She was an avid skier—both water and snow—and a scratch golfer. Yes, she really did shoot a hole in one! She coached women’s fast-pitch softball and led her team to both the State Championship and third place in the nation. She directed numerous Davenport community plays known as Bird Cage Theater and was an avid photographer, loved gardening, playing cards, spending time at Pelican Lake, and enjoying life with her family and friends. She is survived by her husband, Darrol. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Mel and Edith Nellermoe; and son, Mark. The memorial service will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at Canaan Moravian Church, rural Davenport. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Canaan Moravian Church and the Alzheimer’s Association.

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. We both fell lucky that we had the chance to know Jean. She was such a wonderful person — always seemed to be positive and smiling. It was a thrill for me (Virginia) to host her in the College of HDE when she received awards from NDSU, even though her degree was not from our college. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
    Much sympathy,
    Virginia Clark Johnson and Rick Johnson

  2. Terry, Nick and family,
    I am so sorry for loss. Prayers across the Prairie to you all.
    Kimberly

  3. My sympathy to you and your family DarrylDj was a lovely lady I was always pleased to know.
    Judie metcalf.

  4. I was sad to hear of Jean’s passing. What an incredibly wonderful woman she was. Our paths first crossed when Jean worked at Travel Travel, only to find out through our visiting she knew my mother’s family through Canaan. Jean use to coordinate circle to be held at my aunt, Constance Sautebin’s assisted living apartment and then would insure Connie would get to circle when held elsewhere. How ironic it is but my Aunt Connie died on March 15 and she and Jean will be buried next to each other at Canaan. Blessings to all of you.

  5. Darrol and family sorry to hear of the passing of Jean its been a long time now since you hired me for the job at Grandin. My prayers are with you and your family.

  6. Our deepest regret at your loss.Our thoughts & Prayers will be with you Darrol and family .During this time of sorrow. Jim (Gutsie) & Susie LeGros

  7. My sympathies to Darrol and Terry. I had sixteen wonderful years working for, and with, Jean. She was the best boss a person could ever ask for. We had a fun office and Jean was always supportive of all of her staff. Years back you hired my husband (then boyfriend) to build your lake home! With Mark on his construction crew, the lake home took shape quickly. Wonderful memories. It was because of Dave building your lake home that we found the place on Pelican Point that was for sale – and became our home for six years. So many memories that include Jean and Darrol!

    Much love to you. Jean will be missed.

  8. I first met Jean in 1957 when I was 12 years old. Darrol and Paul hired me to do odd jobs on their farm. After I became skilled enough to start working with their equipment they would send me over to help Jean with her yard work when it was to wet to work in the fields. Her work involved digging in the yard to plant a very large hedge and trees. I was always happy to return to the farm because Jean really worked me hard.

    Jean was a very good cook but some of the things that she prepared were not items that I was use to eating. I remember on one occasion when she put beets on my plate. Beets didn’t look that good for this young kid but she insisted that I try them. I did and I grew to like that vegetable.

    I was lucky enough to get to know everyone in the Schroeder family including Robert and Julia. I can’t remember when it started but I have called Darrol and Jean on their birthdays for many, many years.

    Please accept our deepest felt condolences.

  9. May the Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time. Jean will be missed, she was a wonderful lady!

  10. Jean was a wonderful neighbor and friend at the lake. She will be missed. Love to your family Darrol.
    Louann Sweeney Miller

  11. One of our great joys in life was to know and spend many special moments with Jean. She was a special inspiration to the Fargo AirSho and the Fargo Air Museum. Her energy and enthusiasm were an important part of both organizations as she supported Darrol and all of us over the last 25 years. We have many fond memories of times we spent together in the Fargo area and other parts of the world as she displayed her travel and leadership skills for the enjoyment of so many others. She was a special person and a special friend. We will miss her dearly, but are thankful to have known her.

  12. z. Thoughts and prayers are with Darrel and the family . I worked for. Jean at Carlson Travel. until she retired and sold it. She was a beautiful person inside and out.

  13. Thoughts and prayers to Darrel and the family. I worked for Jean at Carlson Travel. She was a 5 person inside and out.

  14. So sorry for the loss of your mother,Terry! Our thoughts &prayers with you & your family. God Bless! Love,Carlos&Joyce(Owens) Sainz

  15. Jean was a very special person, always kind and friendly to everyone! She was always full of energy and had a real gusto for life. We will cherish the memories shared with her through many guard functions and the great times at the lake. Jean will always hold a special place in our hearts!

    Sincerely
    Linda and Tom

  16. Dear General Schroeder:

    Please accept our deepest sympathies for the passing of your wife. She was a model citizenand community leader.

  17. The Nellermoe family lived ½ block from me in Fargo from 1939 to 1944, and Wannie Nellermoe, Jean’s brother, was a special friend in high school days. My condolences to the Schroeder family in this loss.

  18. Darrol, my heart is breaking for your loss. Jean was one of the nicest people I have ever met. Janie and I always looked forward to chatting with her at AirSho events and other gatherings. I am so sad that we are in Arizona and unable to be there. We are coming home next week but will be with you in spirit this week. May God bless the memory of this wonderful woman.

  19. Thoughts and prayers with you Darrol – Terry and the entire Schroeder family. Jean touched so many lives and framed Davenport community activity, culture and livelihood….Birdcage Theatre – Darling Little Phillies – Canaan church…she brought energy and her smile everywhere to so many. We all were blessed to know this terrific lady.
    May the Lord’s comfort find you during these days.

  20. Jean was a wonderful lady. I worked at Carlson Travel for 5 years. She met so much to me. She was the best manager anyone could ask for. Wish I could have attended the funeral but I am traveling. Sending prayers to Darroll and the rest of the family.

  21. Terry and family,

    I am deeply saddened by your loss. May you have a lifetime of lovely memories of Jean, you were truly blessed to have such a wonderful woman in your lives. Thinking of you during your time of grief.

    Cathy Chumley

  22. Darryl and Terry -We are so sorry to see Jean go. She was always so beautiful and happy. I’m imagining her being welcomed by all of the relatives who have gone before her including dad and grandma. I wish we could be there with you. We send you our love and condolences at this sad time.

  23. JOYFUL – if we needed to pick a single word that would define Jean, likely it would be the one. It struggles to make it to the top as WELCOMING is right up there. Neil and I feel lucky to have been in the gentle circle of the love and care of both Jean and Darrol both NDSU and in these past few years as neighbors. We are lucky. It has been said:
    “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, LOVE leaves a memory no one can steal.” Love is Jean’s legacy.

  24. Darryl and Terry
    Jean was able to touch so many of us with her kindness,strength and sparkle. She lived a full life and will be missed. I hope your warm memories of her surround you in this time of sadness. With love, Kathie Nellermoe

  25. Darryl and family, I’m so sorry to read of Jeans passing. You folks have always been so. To me and to my family. Heaven is a richer place today.

  26. To Darrol and Terry- my deepest sympathy to you. Such a beautiful video of Jean and your family. She lived life to the fullest and was an amazing lady. May she now Rest In Peace . Sincerely, Donna Nalewaja

  27. Thinking of you in your loss of “D.J”….It is not easy to lose your best friend and partner after so many years….You do have all those wonderful memories which will carry you through…..She was an outstanding woman in so many ways…God Bless..

  28. Terry,
    Carol and I enjoyed the tribute video. What lovely family pictures.
    I remember the lake house and how beautiful and peaceful it is.
    Your mom had so many accomplishments too, though raising you was certainly one of her best.
    Your friends,
    Brent and Carol Feick

  29. My sympathies to Darrol, Terry and family,
    I always smile when I think of Jean because of the memorable interview I did with her for KX4 TV News years ago. She was promoting the Bird Cage Theater. When I asked her about the cast, she made it sound like they came great distances to excel on stage in Davenport including someone from Minneapolis. I was impressed and repeated, Minneapolis! But then she paused and said, But she lives in Walcott now! We started laughing and for the only time in my 23 year broadcasting career, I could not control my laughter. I still have the video tape. More recently, I enjoyed buying the Fargo condo Jean worked so hard to remodel into a state-of-art unit. What a wonderful, fun woman! Much love to all of you!
    Kathy Coyle

  30. Terry & Darrol – I am so sorry to hear about Jean. I have so many fond memories of her growing up. I think I was at your house as much as mine. Jean and Darrol were such a great influence as we grew up. Love and hugs. Your wonderful memories will carry you through. Thank you for sharing the slide show.

  31. Darrol and Terry,

    Words cannot express the shock and sadnessI felt when I saw the obituary for Jean today, in the in-forum. I know it will be a loss for both of you and the rest of your family as well. I am assuming that Jean had Alzheimers? My family suffered with my grandmother, great aunt and mother having this terrible disease. Terry it looks like Nicolas has a beautiful family now. Congratulations! May both of you find peace in the wonderful memories you shared with Jean.

    With our Sympathies, Jim (Spider) & Ruth Reimers

  32. Darrol, Terry and family: My heart goes out to all of you. I was so deeply saddened to learn of Jean’s passing.
    She was such a loving, caring and giving person and went out of her way to make everyone feel welcome. She will be greatly missed. I’m so sorry we missed her funeral. We did not learn of her passing until Saturday evening when Jo gave my sister, Judy, a call. We would certainly have been there had we known earlier. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless each one of you. Diane Andresen

  33. We are saddened by your loss of Jean. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

  34. Dear Terry
    We just recently returned from wintering in AZ and saw the notice of your mom’s passing. We spent a lot of time working with your mom through our business, International Hockey Schools…with our trips to Norway, Sweden, Russia and Finland. It was quite the ride we had back then and we always enjoyed her good work for us and the friendship that grew from it. We extend our sincere sympathy and hold you all close to our hearts today and the weeks to come.

  35. What a marvelous life Jean had! She is fondly remembered by her Air Force friends. She gave us a fabulous tour of her beloved Dakotas, which I still enjoy thinking about. She was an inspiring lady. She will be missed.

  36. I’m so sorry for your loss Darol. She was a beautiful lady. I’m in Phoenix so was unable to attend the funeral. If I can be of assistance in any way, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’m sad that you will be moving soon.

  37. Darrol, We loved visiting with Jean when you guys were out at any Guard functions. She had such a beautiful smile and was always smiling. Dave’s dad George wanted us to express his sincere sympathies as well.
    God Bless you and your family.
    Val, Dave and George Buchholz


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Accessibility Tools
hide