Kevin Ray Schroeder, 63, of Gillette, WY passed from this life on December 13, 2021.

He was born January 19, 1958, in Sturgis, South Dakota to Eldon E. Schroeder and Doris H. Sperle (Schroeder) Dowling. Kevin grew up in the Black Hills and central South Dakota having attended schools in Sturgis, Murdo and Draper.  He graduated from Sturgis High School in 1976.  On    June 2,1977 Kevin wed Lana Wheeler in Sturgis. Kevin and Lana had two boys, Shane and Clint.  He married Cheryl Sanders on June 16,1984 in Rapid City.

Kevin enjoyed a lifetime of working on cars and trucks as an accomplished self-taught mechanic. He also became a skilled equipment operator, having experience with dozers, earth movers and loaders which he operated on mine sites south of Gillette.  He appreciated the inner workings of computer hardware and considered starting a computer repair business and loved to spend time on his computer doing online research.  After retiring, Kevin continued to dabble in social media as well as fixing up and selling vehicles.

He is survived by his mother, Doris Dowling of Rapid City, his children Shane (Destiny) Finn of Wolsey, SD and Clint (Currin) Finn of Whitewood, SD, his brothers Ervin (Bev) Schroeder of Casper, WY, Dean Schroeder of New Hampton, IA, Mike (Lori) Dowling of Omaha, NE and Derek (Nicole) Dowling of Rapid City, SD, 8 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Kevin was preceded in death by his father, Eldon Schroeder.

In lieu of flowers the family is planting trees in remembrance of Kevin.  If anyone would like to join the effort, funds can be sent to Dean Schroeder, 608 Evergreen St., New Hampton, IA 50659.