Steven Mark Schroeder

Steven Mark Schroeder, age 60, of Harrison Township and formerly of Roseville, passed away on September 29, 2026.

Steve was the beloved son of the late John and Hedwig Schroeder, and a devoted father, grandfather, brother, businessman, and friend. But to describe Steve simply by the roles he held would never quite capture the person he was, and he was anything but ordinary.

Steve was one of those people you just couldn’t take anywhere without him knowing someone. No matter where you went, there seemed to be a familiar face, an old friend, a customer, or someone Steve had met along the way. And if he didn’t know someone when he walked in, there was a good chance he would by the time he left. Steve loved to talk. A quick stop could easily turn into a much longer visit once Steve got talking.

Over the years, those conversations turned into countless friendships. Steve genuinely valued the people in his life. He was funny, generous, stubborn, outgoing, and always ready to lend a hand. He had a way of lifting people up and helping when someone needed it, leaving a positive mark on so many people along the way. He truly did not know the positive impact he had on so many.

Since 1990, Steve proudly owned and operated Autotrix, a business he built and dedicated himself to for more than three decades. Through his work, he met countless people, many of whom became much more than customers. His business was another place where his generosity, knowledge, personality, and willingness to help others could shine.

Above everything else, Steve loved his family. He was a loving father to Jordin (Nick) Abraham and Johnathan (Emily) Schroeder, and stepfather to Taylor (Jon) Hoppe, Sydney (Bailey) Dykema, and Alec LaRowe. He was an incredibly proud grandfather to Luka, Levi, Noah, Ollie, Jameson, Nora, and Lily. His children and grandchildren meant the world to him, and there was no hiding how proud he was of them.

Steve was also a beloved brother to John (Kathy) Schroeder, Bernhard (Jan) Schroeder, Mary (Wick) Smith, and Michael (Denise) Schroeder.

His family wouldn’t be complete without his dogs, Heide and Zeus, whom he adored and who held a very special place in his heart.

Many knew him affectionately as “Chef Steve.” Steve loved to cook, but following the same recipe over and over wasn’t really his style. He loved experimenting with new recipes and flavors and sharing what he created with the people around him. Food was another way Steve connected with people, and many memories with him were made around a meal.

Music was also a constant in Steve’s life. He loved the way music could fill a room, set the mood, and bring people together. For those who loved him, certain songs will undoubtedly always bring a memory of Steve along with them.

Whenever he had the chance, Steve loved being on the water. Boating was one of his favorite ways to spend his time, and he especially loved fishing in the Florida Keys.

Steve lived his life surrounded by people, conversation, music, good food, family, friends, dogs, boats, and plenty of stories. He could make you laugh, drive you crazy with his stubbornness, talk your ear off, and then be the first person there when you needed a hand.

His absence leaves a tremendous space in the lives of the many people who knew and loved him. But he also leaves behind 60 years of friendships, stories, laughter, meals, music, adventures, conversations, and countless people whose lives are better because Steve was part of them.

There will never be another Chef Steve, and he will be deeply missed.

A Celebration of Life honoring Steve will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at The River Rat. Family and friends are invited to come together to celebrate Steve, share stories, and remember a life that touched so many.