E.K. Schroeder, DDS
Dr. E.K. Schroeder, 85, retired Marion dentist who was well known and highly regarded over a wide area, died Oct. 13, 2003, at a Wichita hospital.
Following professional retirement he enjoyed twice daily "coffee breaks" downtown where he visited with old friends and reminisced.
Born May 19. 1918, on the family farm near Lehigh he was one of eight children of John and Susie (Klassen) Schroeder.
He graduated from Hillsboro High School and attended Tabor College two years. During his college years he worked for the REA.
In 1940 he went to Kansas City to attend the University of Missouri College of Dentistry where he graduated four years later.
During his senior year in dental school he married Ruby Richert. The couple had two sons, Dennis and Edsel.
He served in the Army as a dentist during World War II, where he was a captain.
He and Ruby settled in Marion in 1946 and he opened his practice in the Case Building, above the Duckwall's store.
His practice grew over more than 40 years, and he retired from the profession in 1987.
His contributions to the community are too numerous to list, but served the community he loved far beyond his dental practice.
He was on the Marion Board of Education 10 years, was an active member of Marion Chamber of Commerce, was a past president, director, and member of Kiwanis for more than 50 years.
During the disastrous flood of 1951 he spent hours of effort and donated funds to help victims. His mark on the community and his desire to help people will long be remembered.
Not only did he serve in civic organizations, he also helped establish St. Luke Hospital and was instrumental in construction of the present Eastmoor United Methodist Church.
He was a member of the St. Luke Hospital physician recruitment committee, the Marion Museum Board, the Marion County Historical Society, the Prairie View board, the Mental Health Center board, and the Alliance for the Mentally Ill.
As well respected as he was in public life, his primary interest was his family.
Survivors include his wife, Ruby, and sons Dennis and Edsel, all of Marion; his sister, Rachel Gregory of Wichita; and countless friends and former patients.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and four sisters.
Services were held Thursday morning at Eastmoor United Methodist Church. Officiating were the Revs. John Goering, Rick Branson, and Robert Priest.
Leonard Klassen was the vocal soloist and the Rev. Judy Priest the violinist. Congressional singing was accompanied by Anita Brookens, organist.
Casket bearers were Harold Conyers, Nick Nickelson, Ed Hein, Ivan Lee Timm, John Dvorak, and Darrell Weigert. Honorary bearers were Jack Regnier, June Jost, Roy Hett, Kenneth Schwendiman, Marvin Hett, Dean Fincham, Homer Stiller, and Dean Batt.
Burial was in Marion Cemetery.
A memorial fund has been established at the church.
