Roger Schrom

November 21, 1947 - January 20, 2022

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.

Subscribe
Notify of

65 Comments
newest
oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Derek Allmendinger
2 years ago

I’m so very sorry to hear this. I hadn’t heard yet. Roger was my first boss after I graduated college. I joined Marquette in 1999 and worked with him at Southpoint in Bloomington until moving to Marquette Trust in 2021. He was an incredible boss to me. I was very green and he taught me patiently. I was always fascinated with downtown Minneapolis and jumped at the chance to meet him at Firestone where he’d drop off his car for service and then drive us both to work in Bloomington. After the Wells Fargo acquisition we’d do annual accounting team… Read more »

Stephanie Faiad
2 years ago

Thank you for sharing this Derek. I still check my Dad’s obituary from time to time and this entry was such a pleasant surprise tonight. I love continuing to hear stories from people he touched at❤️

Mark and Karen Baden
3 years ago

Dear Family,

I have participated in Roger’s service from home. Oh, how I wish that Karen and I could have attended in person. Please know that we care. The service was both God honoring and Roger honoring. Thank you to all readers, speakers and musicians for your thoughtful presentation.

Blessings,

Mark and Karen Baden

Colleen Schrom
3 years ago

Thank you so much ❤️ I am so grateful for the wonderful service Lord Of Life provided and all of the support we have gotten from them ❣️

Stephanie Faiad
3 years ago

Thank you Mark and Karen.

Renee zachman
3 years ago

Oh Sweet Colleen I was so saddened to hear about you loss. I never met your husband but we used to share stories about our best friends. I send love and prayers your way. Renee

Colleen Schrom
3 years ago
Reply to  Renee zachman

Thank you Renee , we were lucky to have our husbands as our best friends ❤️

Dennis Pate
3 years ago

Very sorry to hear this. Hang in there

Colleen Schrom
3 years ago
Reply to  Dennis Pate

Thank you Denny !

Paula Phillippe
3 years ago

My condolences to Colleen and family. I had the privilege to work with Roger for a few years of his long tenure at Marquette. Roger was a ray of sunshine in my work day. His kindness and his sense of humor are two characteristics that he brought to our team. I know how much he loved working as an usher for the Twins in his retirement. Roger lived a good life, caring about all the truly important things — faith, family, and kindness to others. May your wonderful memories sustain you.

Sarah
3 years ago

Thank you Paula ❤️

Colleen Schrom
3 years ago

Thank you so much Paula , he always spoke highly of you !

Stephanie Faiad
3 years ago

Thank you so much Paula

Shari Quast
3 years ago

My deepest Sympathy to Colleen. Sarah and Steph. His tribute was very nice felt like I knew real well. and he was such a great guy, My thoughts and prayers are with you all, May all your fond memories of Roger bring you much peace and comfort at this time.

Colleen Schrom
3 years ago
Reply to  Shari Quast

Thank you Shari !

Stephanie Faiad
3 years ago
Reply to  Shari Quast

Thank you Shari for sharing your condolences

Solomon Watne
3 years ago

I really enjoyed getting to know Roger the last 18 months in our church small group each week. He was so genuine and real in every interaction and had a great sense of humor. I have grown so much as a father and husband as a result of Roger’s experience and guidance. I also loved hearing about how he loved on his neighbor Kenny with the once a week Coke treat. Great Man!

Colleen Schrom
3 years ago
Reply to  Solomon Watne

Thank you for your kind words , he loved all of his support at Lord Of Life !

Stephanie Faiad
3 years ago
Reply to  Solomon Watne

Thank you so much Solomon

Sue Sanders
3 years ago

What a wonderful tribute. Sympathies to Colleen Sarah and Steph. I have a special memory to share about Roger giving me Front row Twins tickets to take my very elderly father to the Mn Twins game on Fathers Day! Like Roger my dad was a big Twins fan!
Sue Sanders

Colleen Schrom
3 years ago
Reply to  Sue Sanders

Oh my gosh Sue , I had forgotten about that , thanks for reminding me ❤️

Stephanie Faiad
3 years ago
Reply to  Sue Sanders

Thank you so much Sue for the condolences and sharing your memory 🙂

Nikki Kapps
3 years ago

What a beautiful tribute!!! Forever in our hearts and Kenny’s! Thanks for being such a wonderful neighbor Roger!!!!! We are so sorry for your loss….He will be missed by so many! You are all in our thoughts and prayers!

Last edited 3 years ago by Nikki Kapps
Colleen Schrom
3 years ago
Reply to  Nikki Kapps

Thanks Nikki , Kenny has been so sweet , he said he will take care of me now

Stephanie Faiad
3 years ago
Reply to  Nikki Kapps

Thank you Nikki <3

Mary Ann Kolb
3 years ago

We send condolences to Colleen, Sarah, Stephanie and families. We have good memories of Roger coaching our girls’ softball games. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. His memory will always be a blessing to you and the host of people he touched.

Colleen Schrom
3 years ago
Reply to  Mary Ann Kolb

Thanks Mary Ann , we appreciate you thinking of us ❤️

Stephanie Faiad
3 years ago
Reply to  Mary Ann Kolb

Thank you Mary Ann for sharing your condolences.

Patti Joe
3 years ago

Colleen, Sarah and Steph,, Roger always had a hug for me when I saw him and like you all, made me feel like family. He was taken too soon but I know he is in great company❤️.
My sympathy and prayers are with you all.
Love you,
Patti Joe

Sarah
3 years ago
Reply to  Patti Joe

That’s because you are family ❤️ Thank you so much…love you

Colleen Schrom
3 years ago
Reply to  Patti Joe

Exactly what sarah said , you have always been abs will always be family ❤️

Stephanie Faiad
3 years ago
Reply to  Patti Joe

What Sarah said. We love you Patti Joe and appreciate your condolences so much

Jaime Thiry (Jensen)
3 years ago

Such a beautiful tribute to a truly genuine and amazing person. As I think back to the many days shared at the Schrom’s house, I am overwhelmed with the joyful memories spent laughing, joking, and eating at the kitchen table. Roger, or ‘Royer’ as Stephy and I called him in high-school, truly had a spiritual gift of giving selflessly to others and making everyone feel special and important. He had such a positive impact on so many and I am forever grateful for the special times shared with him, Colleen, and Stephy. While my heart is heavy with saddness, I… Read more »

Colleen Schrom
3 years ago

Jaime , you know how much he and of us loved having you at our house, and in our lives ❤️

Stephanie Faiad
3 years ago

Love you so much Jaime! Thank you for all your support

Amy Olson
3 years ago

Colleen and family, when I told the girls today about Roger they started sharing fond stories of you both. The one that stands out was an after school walk home and they were scared about the kitchen light being on. Roger jumped into action with a baseball bat to check out the house while the girls followed right behind him. Such an amazing person and kind soul. Prayers to you all. Ryan, Amy, Hanna and Ava Olson

Sarah
3 years ago
Reply to  Amy Olson

Oh Amy this made me laugh and smile so much ❤️❤️ Thank you for sharing!!

Colleen Schrom
3 years ago
Reply to  Amy Olson

Amy , thank you so much for your story , we sure miss you as neighbors ❤️

Stephanie Faiad
3 years ago
Reply to  Amy Olson

Thank you for sharing your memory Amy – how funny 🙂

Jim Maile
3 years ago

My deepest sympathies to Aunt Colleen, cousins Sara & Stephanie as well as their children & husbands. It’s terrible that the children won’t be able to grow up to experience life with Grandpa Roger. On a personal note, I will not only miss you as my Uncle & friend, but I will miss our many, many political texts to each other! RIP Uncle Roger. Nephew Jim

Colleen Schrom
3 years ago
Reply to  Jim Maile

Thanks Jim , I know he loved keeping up with you , you and all his nieces and nephews were special to him ❤️

Stephanie Faiad
3 years ago
Reply to  Jim Maile

Thank you Jim 🙂

Linda Richardson-Beaird
3 years ago

Colleen, my heart goes out to you & your family with the unexpected loss of Roger.
His apt tribute brought a smile to my face.
Big hug!

Colleen Schrom
3 years ago

Thank you Linda , you know how much you meant to BOTH of us ❤️

Stephanie Faiad
3 years ago

Thank you Linda for your condolences and thoughts.

Tobe & Arlin
3 years ago

We send our deepest condolences. Roger was one of the best who will be sorely missed. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Sending love and hugs.

Last edited 3 years ago by Tobe & Arlin
Colleen Schrom
3 years ago
Reply to  Tobe & Arlin

Thanks Tobe and Arlin , love you guys ❤️❤️

Stephanie Faiad
3 years ago
Reply to  Tobe & Arlin

Thank you Tobe for all your support to our family and especially my mom. We love you so much 🙂

Christine Zonneveld
3 years ago

I have know Roger for at least 40 years. He was “Uncle Roger” to our three boys. We’ve spent 13 vacations together with Roger and Colleen, and more New Year’s Eve’s than I can recall. This tribute is so fitting and true. He was a kind, warm, generous, funny man, who loved a good joke (even if it was about him), always kind to children, interested in others, and happy to help.
Remembering his words of ‘encouragement’ to the Vikings coaches (from the cheap seats where we four sat) suggesting plays they should call. I will miss you, dear friend.

Sarah
3 years ago

I have so many fond memories watching the Vikings games at our old townhome with you and Bill!! Brian is an eternal Vikings optimist to which my dad always responded “wait til you’ve had as many years of disappointment as me!” And I know you can hear him saying that.

So many memories growing up with your family…I know he loved and cared so much for you all ❤️

Colleen Schrom
3 years ago

Thank you Christine , lots fun memories ❣️ Love you all

Stephanie Faiad
3 years ago

Thank you Christine for sharing your memories. We love you so much. You are definition of friends that become family 🙂

Catherine Benson
3 years ago

Roger was my friend in high school. Such happy memories of him! I am so sad.

Colleen Schrom
3 years ago

Thank you!

Jenna Buth-Croes
3 years ago

Lovely tribute to Roger. He was such a wonderful human and the world was a better place with him in it. I am so sorry for your loss Schrom family. I hope the countless wonderful memories you have of him bring you some comfort during this time.

Colleen Schrom
3 years ago

Thank you Jenna , you have just been so good to us and Steph during this very difficult time ❤️

Stephanie Faiad
3 years ago

Thank you so much Jenna – love you <3

Colin Anderson
3 years ago

This really captures Roger’s sense of humor and his personality. Roger was a great co-worker and an even better friend. Condolences to his family and friends.

Colleen Schrom
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin Anderson

Thank you Colin !

Stephanie Faiad
3 years ago
Reply to  Colin Anderson

Thank you Colin. Appreciate your condolences

Deb & MIke Felien
3 years ago

What a phenomenal tribute to a phenomenal man!! You summed him up perfectly. I couldn’t help but smile reading it!! Hugs and prayers to all! He truly will be missed.

Connie Johnson
3 years ago

Deepest sympathy to Colleen and family. Obit shares a story of a pretty amazing man. You will be in our thoughts and prayers Colleen.

Colleen Schrom
3 years ago
Reply to  Connie Johnson

Thank you Connie , he was ❤️

Colleen Schrom
3 years ago

Thank you❣️ And thank you for making it home for Roger’s service❤️

Stephanie Faiad
3 years ago

Thank you Deb and Mike! You are the best

65
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x