Roger F. Schrom, age 74, of Maple Grove, died unexpectedly on Thursday, January 20, 2022, surrounded by loved ones at North Memorial Medical Center. Roger was born on November 21, 1947, in Melrose, MN to Edwin and Mary Ann (Hieserich) Schrom. He graduated from Sauk Centre High School and enlisted in the US Air Force the day he turned 18. He proudly served two years overseas as an air-traffic controller in Taiwan during the Vietnam War. Following his years of military service, he completed his education by graduating from Metropolitan State University earning a degree in Accounting. He spent his entire 39 year career with Marquette Financial Companies where he held several titles, but most importantly, met the love of his life, and developed many lasting relationships with colleagues he was proud to call friends. He married his best friend, Colleen G. Claffey on September 27, 1980 at St. Canice Catholic Church in Kilkenny.
Roger was an active volunteer throughout his life. He mentored youth, volunteered at food shelves, and delivered Meals-on-Wheels to those in need. He also participated in a Men's Bible Study through his church where he met many wonderful friends. After retirement, he worked his dream job as an usher for the Minnesota Twins.
Roger had many loves in his life…he loved reading, history, cards, animals, good food, conversation, telling the same joke every time he saw you, and most importantly a solid 'end of the night' dance song...you could always count on Roger's request of "Don't Stop Believin" and "Sweet Caroline". He was a huge Minnesota sports fan, and always cheered for the home team, with the exception of frequently turning off the Vikings games in disgust. Of all the loves in his life, there was none greater than the love for his family. His wife, daughters, son in-laws, grandkids, and loyal companion Finnegan filled his life with great joy, laughter, and frequent colds (insert his infamous SA and ROFLMAO response here). Without doubt, his family was his greatest accomplishment.
Roger epitomized what it means to be genuine and kind. He truly cared about everyone who came into his life in any capacity. He was a great conversationalist. His presence, immense empathy, and willingness to listen created lasting relationships with all who had the privilege of knowing him. He had a way of making people feel immediately welcome and important with his kindness, interest in what they had to say, and genuine care. Roger's twinkling eyes, his signature mustache, his welcoming spirit and the gentleness that he exuded throughout his life will be missed by all who knew him.
Roger is survived by his wife, Colleen of Maple Grove; daughters, Sarah (Brian) Winter of Corcoran and Stephanie (Zack) Faiad of Ham Lake; grandchildren, Audrey, Will, Adelin, Zander, Zoe, & Zayn; favorite furry companion ("son"), Finnegan; sisters, Carol (Joe) Rohe of Fridley and Sharon (LaVern) Maile of Cold Spring; He is preceded in death by his parents.
A Memorial of Life Service will be held Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Lord of Life Lutheran Church (7401 County Rd. 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311) with Reverend David McCarty officiating. Visitation will take place for 1 hour prior to service from 10 – 11 AM at the church. All are invited to join us for a luncheon at church immediately following the service. The service will also be live-streamed (https://www.lordoflife.org/celebrationoflife) for those unable to attend in person. In celebration of Roger's devotion to Minnesota sports, we invite family and friends to wear their favorite Minnesota sports gear to the service. Due to requests by both the family and the church, masks are required. A private family burial will occur at a later date at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.
