Obituary of Douglas Schroeder

Douglas Schroeder, Stockholm, NJ “In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.” Doug Schroeder passed away peacefully at home on Friday, January 10th surrounded by his loving family. He lived his 58 years of life to its fullest, appreciating all of God’s gifts. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 17th at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of The Lake Parish, Sparta. Internment will to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. Visitation will be on Thursday, Jan. 16th from 2-4 & 6-8 pm at the Norman Dean Home For Services, 16 Righter Ave., Denville. Donations in his name may be made to the good work of Compassionate Care Hospice by way of www.inmemof.org or by mail to 350 S Sparta Ave, Sparta, NJ 07871. Doug was born in Passaic and was the second of three sons to bless the Schroeder family. From an early age, Doug was musically inclined and over the years played in numerous bands. He met his wife, Lauren (nee Travers), while playing in the Narrow Bridge Band. It was love at first sight. They were married on June 6th, 1987 and blessed with over 32 wonderful years of marriage. Together they raised two beautiful children, Bryan and Lindsay. Doug shared close relationships with his children and instilled in them the values so dear to him- love, faith, nature and appreciation of all things and people. He was so proud of them. Doug worked in the engineering field his entire life, starting out as a draftsman hand drawing maps for Exxon. He moved into the environmental engineering field, spending most of his career with Cerenzio & Panaro in Sparta, NJ. Doug was an outdoorsman and loved to hike and ski, spending as much time as possible outdoors. He loved using his hands and with much sweat and love he built the home where they raised their family and hosted many gatherings. He loved camping and spent more than 20 years going up to his favorite place, Lake George. Doug and Lauren made many cherished memories each summer with their children and extended family. Doug knew the lake like the back of his hand and was an incredible captain with the happiest crew. He had a strong love for boating and spent countess days on the lake. The family also shared many beautiful memories during their annual trip to Ocean City, NJ, with Doug’s parents, June and Art. Doug loved playing his guitar and passed on his talents to his son Bryan. They shared a deep connection through music and spent hours talking about, listening to and playing great music. Doug was so proud of the musician his son has become and was his biggest fan. Above everything, Doug loved his family. The sun rose and set on Lauren, his children and his granddaughter Riley and everyone knew it. He was so proud of them and the love they share for one another. Although we are broken hearted, we take comfort in knowing that Doug is at peace and guiding us always. He leaves joyful memories to his wife Lauren of over 32 years; his children Bryan (Cassidy); Lindsay (Justin); his granddaughter Riley and 2nd grandbaby on the way; his mother June; brothers Donald (Vicky) and Edward; his brother and sister in laws Michael Travers (Debbie), Ken Travers (Lynne), Lisa Voll (Bill), Maryann DeFlumeri(Jim), John Travers, Gina Old, and Tom Travers; nieces and nephews, Amanda, Ken Jr., Erin, Will, Justin, Danielle, Jill, Rachel, James, Natalie, Jack, Rebecca, Chloe and Ryan; his nine great nieces and nephews and many more loving family members and friends. Doug was predeceased by his father Arthur, his father and mother in law Mickey and Steffy Travers, nephew John Travers Jr. and brother in law Forrest Old.