SCHROEDER, Arthur Louis "Art"

Arthur Louis “Art” Schroeder died Tuesday, Jan. 9, at St. Vincent Hospital in Leadville. He was 66 years old. He was born in Nowata, Okla., on June 13, 1940. His parents were the late Carl and Elsie (Engelken) Schroeder. Schroeder grew up in Enid, Okla. After high school, he attended Phillips University in Enid for two years. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army. After receiving an honorable discharge, Schroeder moved to Colorado where he worked at the Climax Molybdenum Mine for three years. He then became an independent trucker for another three years before building the High Country Restaurant. He opened the High Country Restaurant on Feb. 4, 1975. Schroeder successfully ran the restaurant for 30 years, four months and ten days. Schroeder had a way of making people feel at home. Numerous employees say he was the best boss they ever had. In addition to his fantastic set of employees, Schroeder also cherished his relationships with many valued customers. Schroeder was an avid hunter, earning him the nickname “Crackshot Schroeder.” He loved bow hunting and was a long-time member of the archery club. Schroeder’s other hobbies included fishing, camping, 4-wheeling and humming-bird watching. But above all, Schroeder had a very high work ethic and spent most of his time working, although he was never too busy to listen to a good story or tell a silly joke. He often laughed the loudest at his own jokes. Schroeder will always be remembered for his friendly manner, kindness, positive outlook on life and his special skills with duct tape and bailing wire. Schroeder was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived be a very close-knit family including his wife Teri in Leadville; daughter Kristi Wingenbach in Carbondale; two sisters, Lorene (Vic) Peckman in Denver and Vera Murphey in Haysville, Kan.; four brothers, Edward (Nancy) Schroeder and Richard (Patty) Schroeder, both in Wichita, Kan., Edgar (Bea) Schroeder, in Tulsa, Okla., and Dave (Karen) Schroeder, in Castle Rock; and numerous nieces and nephews. Also, a cherished group of friends of more than 50 years. A memorial reception was held on Monday, Jan. 15, at the High Country Restaurant in Leadville. Friends gathered and shared fond memories of a great man. Arrangements were handled by Bailey Funeral Home. Herald Democrat