John Schroeder

John Stephen “Steve” Schroeder, formerly of Rutherford County, passed away at his home in Arvada, Colorado on September 3, 2022 at the age of 80. Steve grew up in Denver, Colorado.  In 1960, he joined the Air Force. After receiving training on Hound Dog missile maintenance, he was stationed at Minot Air Force Base in South Dakota where he also attended Minot State College.  After separating from the service, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics from the University of Minnesota. Upon graduation, he began his engineering career at Ling-Temco Vought. In 1971, Steve returned to the Air Force, Department of Defense, as a civilian engineer.  He began at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. While at Wright-Pat, he continued his education obtaining a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Dayton. In 1980, he transferred to Arnold Air Force Base in Tennessee. With his family, they found a home in Rutherford County that they enjoyed for 40 years. Steve had a distinguished career until his retirement in 1998 which included the prestigious Ferguson Award presented to him by General Ferguson himself at Andrews AFB. Stephen was the first civilian to receive this award. Always the ultimate government servant, upon his retirement, Steve took interest in local politics. He was the co-founder and president of the Rutherford Neighborhood Alliance leading to him earning Volunteer of the Year in Rutherford County.  He also served on various committees at the pleasure of the county Mayor. He supported several candidates for local elections. In addition, he was a member of the local AARP and NARFE (National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association) chapters. In 2020, he moved to Colorado to be closer to his daughter and grandson. Steve is proceeded in death by his father, Karl M. Schroeder; mother, Ruth B. Schroeder; and brother Karl M. Schroeder, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Kathleen A. Schroeder of Arvada, Colorado; daughter Karla E. Zimski (Paul) of Golden, Colorado; and grandson Braden S. Zimski; and niece Eva M. Schroeder of Northridge, California. A Celebration of Life will be held in Murfreesboro at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Parks Foundation or the Outdoor Lab Foundation (Jeffco Public Schools).