David Karl Schroer passed away at the age of 96 after a long and full life on February 24, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born on July 27, 1928, in Freeport, Illinois, the youngest of 6 children of Rev. Frank and Myrtle Schroer.

Dave grew up in Pearl City, a small farming town. He enlisted in the Navy upon his high school graduation in 1946 and spent 2 years on active duty and 6 years in reserves. He graduated from Carthage College in 1953 with a BA degree and taught 1/2 year in Dubuque, Iowa before heading west to continue summer work with the U.S. Forest Service. While there he saw an article in the local paper wanting teachers in the territory of Alaska.

When Dave arrived in Homer in 1953, there were no organized school sports or gym so he started cross country running and track & field at recesses for the Junior High. He first offered High School programs when a gym was built in 1958. Dave learned the basics of skiing as Scoutmaster for the Homer Boy Scout troop, which led to a position as High School ski coach. Under his coaching leadership, Homer teams won three state titles while competing against much larger Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau teams. After winning state in 1968, all four team members were chosen to represent Alaska at the Junior Nationals. Dave was later inducted into the Alaska High School Sports Hall of Fame as a coach in 2015.

In 1954, Dave began working summers for the Bureau of Land Management as Fire Guard at Skilak Lake. This led to many adventures fighting fire around the state, with backpacking, hunting, fishing, and bear chasing in between. Dave also served on various city commissions in Homer, and was elected to the City Council for two terms in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.

Dave met his future wife, Mary Elizabeth (Beth) Crockett, also a teacher in Homer, in 1962. After Beth’s time in the Peace Corps in Ethiopia, they were married in Bern, Switzerland followed by a 5 week honeymoon traveling throughout Europe. Once back in Homer they started a family, with son Frank born in 1967 and daughter Julie in 1969.

In 1972 they bought 20 acres at mile 6.5 East End Road where they built their home. After Dave’s retirement in 1982 he began building his dream golf course in his front yard. The following year saw the opening of the golf course, which he operated for many years, making good friends along the way.

Dave often expressed gratitude for the many opportunities afforded him by the community of Homer during his 71 years there. He was a passionate supporter of the Homer Foundation and other community non-profits, and was a member of the Homer Methodist Church, American Legion, and Elks Club. Dave loved gardening, was a founding member of the Homer Farmers Market, and enjoyed sharing his expertise with many in the community.

Dave is survived by his wife Beth Schroer of Phoenix, Arizona, brother Franklin Schroer of Memphis, Tennessee, son Frank (Ellen) Schroer of Bainbridge Island, Washington, daughter Julie (Jeff) Williams of Waddell, Arizona, grandchildren Lila Schroer of Cleveland, Ohio, Kyle Schroer of Seattle, Washington, Katelyn Williams of Sacramento, California, and Cassie Williams of Flagstaff, Arizona.

Dave left the following quote, on his passing …

Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting “Holy shit, what a ride.” – Hunter S. Thompson

In keeping with Dave’s wishes, no formal service will be held. Donations in his memory can be made to the David and Mary Schroer Fund through the Homer Foundation.