Erie (Pep) Franklin Schroeder, 99, Flandreau passed away on December 3, 2023 at Edgewood Healthcare.  
Pep was born on September 6, 1924 in Holstein, IA to Erie and Ethel (Sonnenberg) Schroeder.  Shortly after Pep was born, Erie Sr. moved the family to a farm outside of Elkton, SD.  Pep joined the Navy on his 17th birthday, September 6, 1941 and served his country until his discharge September 1945 and returned to the farm to help his father. In December of 1945, he met his future wife, Geraldine Bessler.  They were married on January 1, 1947.  To this union five children were born: Linda, Marvin, Candice, Francis and Scott.
Pep started working for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Cedar Rapids, IA, in September 1946.  After 38 years, Pep retired from the Phone Company on his 60th birthday, September 6, 1984.  He and his wife then moved to Flandreau, SD and subsequently bought an acreage just northeast of town overlooking the Big Sioux River where they built their dream home.  The acreage was sold in July of 2021 and Pep and Gerry moved back to Flandreau ultimately ending up in Edgewood Vista Assisted Living.  
Pep loved nature, wildlife, and gardening.  Pep used to say if he could no longer walk, he would “crawl to the garden.”  That is how much he loved it.  Another favorite activity was feeding the birds, deer and other wildlife on the acreage.
He was active in the Redeemer Lutheran Church. He believed his purpose in life was “To Serve the Lord”.   To that end, he was a devoted husband, loved his family and made many friends doing whatever he could to help out.  
Pep is survived by his wife, Gerry; daughter, Candice; sons, Marvin, Francis and Scott.  Also surviving him are seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Pep was preceded in death by his parents, Erie and Ethel Schroeder; daughter, Linda; brother, Charlie and Johnny; sisters, Faye, Gladys, Ardie and Cleo.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, December 9, 2023 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Flandreau, SD, with a visitation one-hour prior beginning at 10:00 am.