Harvey John Schroeder Sr.

Growing up in a family of little means, Harvey learned what it was like to struggle and what hard work was all about. He also learned what it meant to be responsible at an early age. His father taught him to fish and hunt, and he was often tasked with going out hunting to get something for dinner. His mom also gave him the responsibility of looking after his brothers and sister. On many occasions, his brothers would get into scraps with other kids and Harvey would be the one to break it up or involuntarily get involved in the melee.

During his childhood Harvey worked many miscellaneous jobs and upon graduating high school he went to work full time at the meat packing plant in Omaha. Harvey then joined the United States Marine Corps in 1942, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December of 1941. After completing basic training (boot camp) in San Diego, California, he was shipped out to the Pacific Theater of World War II serving in the Second Marine Division.

After the end of the war and returning to the United States in 1945, Harvey met Dorothy M. Potter and they were married on November 3, 1945. They spent the next nine years traveling between various military bases and in 1954, while stationed in Barstow, California, they had their first child, Harvey John Schroeder, Jr. A few years later they were transferred to Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in Orange County, California where they had their second child, Teresa Ann Schroeder in 1957.

In 1961, Harvey was transferred to Camp Pendleton Marine Base located in San Diego County, California. While stationed at Camp Pendleton Harvey and the family bought their first home in Oceanside, California, where they raised their children and Harvey would call home for the next 60 years.

In 1965, Harvey retired from the United States Marine Corps after serving for 23 years. During his years of service, Harvey enjoyed playing badminton and competed in many of the base tournaments, often placing first in singles and doubles. Many times, his doubles partner was his brother, Robert E. Schroeder, also a marine.

Upon retiring from the Marine Corps, Harvey worked several jobs before finding his second calling as a locksmith. As with most everything in his life, Harvey was a self-taught locksmith. After becoming a licensed locksmith, Harvey continued working until age 78 when he retired.

One of Harvey and Dorothy’s true pleasures in life was spending time with their five grandchildren, David John (D.J.), Lindsay, Jesse, Rory and Kyle. Many days were spent attending their sports activities, going to amusement parks, or simply spending time with them at their house and morning walks to the donut shop. It was always a treat for the grandkids spending time with Papa and Grandma.

Dorothy Schroeder pre-deceased Harvey in October 2014, one month shy of their 69th wedding anniversary. Their lifelong dedication to one another was admired by both friends and family.

Harvey’s other favorite lifelong pastimes included playing golf, running, racquetball, and woodworking. All of which he enjoyed doing well into his 90s.

Harvey lived to celebrate his 100th birthday on December 26, 2021. During those 100 years he saw many changes. Always looking to learn something new, he embraced change and was always using his cell phone or iPad. Whether it was reading emails, the news or downloading a book, he always amazed people with how efficient he was with technology at his age.

Throughout his life there were three constants – God, family and country to which he was always faithful. On January 17, 2022, God called Harvey to heaven. Throughout his 100 years, he was a shining example of what kindness is, how to be humble, helping others whenever you can and finding happiness every day of your life.