Derek Wayne Schroeder, Cpt (Ret), 40, of Walford, was called from this world on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. Private family viewing was held on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at Fry Funeral Home, followed by cremation. Derek received full military honors when he was laid to rest on Thursday, Jan. 22, at 10 a.m., Rock Island National Cemetery. A celebration of life was held on Friday, Jan. 23, starting at 4 p.m. at Whitetails, rural Clarence. Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com. A memorial fund has been established for his daughter, Lexi Schroeder.
Derek, son of Wayne Schroeder and Sandy Behrle, was born on July 19, 1985, in Davenport. He graduated from Bennett High School in 2004 and received a criminal justice degree from Loras College. Derek proudly served his country in the United States Army/ARNGUS/EN retiring on April 14, 2014, with the rank of Captain. Derek served in Afghanistan in designated imminent danger areas and returned home and started his own business, Derek’s Armory, LLC, and also worked for CR Signs as a sign technician. Derek was a member of the ROTC and served as Commander of A Company on Brady Street in Davenport. His relation-ship with his battle buddies was always there with him.
Derek enjoyed the outdoors, where he loved hunting and fishing. His favorite trout fishing area was Driftless Area in northeast Iowa. He loved to take Lexi camping, boating and fishing. The highlight of his day was when he and Lexi were together. Derek was an avid hunter, especially when it came to deer hunting and wild boar hunting. Derek knew everything about guns and ammunition and made a lot of loyal friends over the years.
Derek is survived by his daughter, Lexi Schroeder, parents, Wayne Schroeder and Sandy Behrle, sisters, Alicia Dinwid-die (Jamie Dinwiddie) and Emma Schroeder (Mitchell Sawyer), nieces and nephews, Owen, Joanna and Cassie Dinwiddie. Derek was preceded in death by his grandparents, Kenny and Dorie Heisch and Roger and JoAnn Schroeder.
Custom obituary