Duane "Doc" Lee Schroeder

Duane “Doc” Lee Schroeder, DVM, age 89, passed on to greener pastures on January 27, 2026. Born January 14, 1937, in Pontiac, Michigan, Duane grew up with a deep love for cattle, community, and farm life. His passion began at Great Oaks Farm and carried him through veterinary school at Michigan State University, where he graduated in 1962. After moving to Deckerville, he founded Blue Water Angus Farm and helped establish Deckerville Veterinary Clinic, what is now Thumb Veterinary Service, serving dairy and beef families across Michigan’s Thumb for 48 years until retiring in 2010. Holsteins by day and Angus at home, he dedicated his life to building a respected Angus herd, his Blue Water Angus Farm Pride and now Legacy lines, while serving the many farm families he considered as friends. His legacy reaches far beyond excellent cattle; it lives in how we will remember his good humor, hard work, generosity, mentorship, and deep devotion to family, friends, and community. He strengthened the lives of his family, countless farmers, colleagues, and young people. He loved his cattle—but he loved his people even more. Duane was active throughout the cattle and veterinary community, including the American & Michigan Angus Associations, AABP, MVMA, the Thumb Veterinary Association, and Michigan Cattlemen’s Association. He was honored with the Jim Fry Award (2017), Michigan Angus Association Heritage Award (2013), and the 2011–12 Michigan Angus Association directory dedication for his leadership, mentorship, and lifelong service to agriculture. A lifelong learner, Duane loved staying current on cattle breeding, veterinary science, and emerging technologies and trends, and he was an early participant in embryo‑transfer research. But more than anything, he cherished the people he served—and in retirement, he most missed the deep relationships he built with farmers and families across the region. His greatest joy was investing in youth. He led the Lakeside 4‑H Club, supported FFA programs, served on county livestock committees, and helped launch countless youth cattle projects. His legacy lives on in generations of young people he encouraged and believed in. Duane is preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Gladys Schroeder, and his son, David Schroeder. He is survived by his wife, Lou Ann Schroeder; his sister, Carol Luchenbach; his children Doug (Karin), Robert (Julie), Rick (Leila), Brandon (Jenny), Holly (Vince) Meyer, and Wren (Michael) Baker; stepchildren Scott Sears, Russell Sears, and Malisa Sears; and his many beloved grandchildren. Some of his happiest moments were taking them on gator rides to check cattle and explore the farm; and traveling anywhere and everywhere to support their 4‑H and FFA projects, sports, hobbies, and passions.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., with a visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Service on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at the Peshek Family Funeral Home – Apsey Chapel, 3467 Main St., Deckerville, MI 48427.

Celebration of Life Dinner: Mi-Dahs Well Banquet Hall, 2381 Black River St. Deckerville 2:30-6 following funeral services.

Burial for those who want to attend, February 2, 2026 at 3:00 p.m., Meade Cemetery, 24255 26 Mile Rd., Macomb, MI

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Duane Schroeder Blue Water Angus Farm Legacy Scholarship, supporting young people pursuing futures in animal science and livestock production. Donations may be made through the Sanilac County Community Foundation at https://sanilac.gives/DocDuaneSchroeder  (this link will be active Friday, January 30, 2026)