Kurt Schroeder Obituary

Kurt Alfred Schroeder

Pembroke, NH - Kurt Alfred Schroeder of Pembroke, NH (formerly of Plymouth), died March 10, 2024 at Merrimack County Nursing Home in Boscawen, NH. He was 74 years old and lived with Lewy Body Dementia for the past 9 years. He endured much with grace and acceptance.

Kurt was born on January 26, 1950 in Kenosha, WI. He was the oldest of four children born to Alfred and Gerda (Hofmann) Schroeder. The family later moved to West Allis, WI. As a young child he expressed deep interest in maps and became the family navigator on car trips. He graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran High School, Milwaukee, in 1968 having been active in band and traveling chorus.

He attended Macalester College, St. Paul (where he learned to play bagpipes) but later graduated from the University of MN with a BA in Geography. He continued his education at Pennsylvania State University to earn his Master's Degree and Doctor of Philosophy in Geography.

Enjoying academic life, he went on to teach at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, University of MN-Duluth and Plymouth State University, NH. His courses covered Environmental Geography and Geographic Information Systems. His research centered on Military Geography, and he served as President of the Military Geography Specialty Group of the Association of American Geographers 2001-2002. He retired in 2016 as Professor Emeritus.

Kurt married Elaine L. Melquist on May 13, 1978 in Marine-On-St. Croix, MN. Their marriage covered 45 years and they were delighted to have two sons, Christoph and Karl. The family enjoyed camping, hiking, snowshoeing, obscure museums, and board games. Kurt had a warm, soothing voice and everyone enjoyed hearing him read stories out loud.

He is also remembered as a gentle, quiet man with a dry sense of humor. He had a passion for complicated board games of historic battles. He supported Plymouth's Pease Public Library by serving as Chair for the Endowment Committee of the Young Ladies Library Association. He also volunteered for special events at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center.

Kurt was predeceased by his parents; sister, Lisa Forrest; and two brothers-in-law, Wallace Conner and Roger Melquist. He is survived by his wife, Elaine; two sons, Christoph E. Schroeder of Franklin, NH and Karl M. Schroeder of Somerville, MA; brother, Mark Schroeder and wife Patti of Green Bay, WI; sister, Rebecca Schroeder of Santa Rosa, CA; two sisters-in-law, Lois Conner of Hugo MN and Helen (Melquist) Hafner, Slayton, MN; and nine nieces and nephews and their families.

ARRANGEMENTS: The family respects Kurt's wish to not have formal services. An informal memorial reception will be held Saturday, May 18, 1:30-3:30 in Plymouth State University's Centre Lodge, 8 Merrill St., Plymouth. All are welcome. Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH, Boscawen.

Kurt's family deeply appreciates the varied care and thoughtfulness shown to him in his life and illness. Thank you to extended family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, medical staff, therapists, aides and volunteers. To view Kurt's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.