Eugene “Gene” Schroeder, 80, passed away on August 21, 2026. He was born on July 24,1946, in Chicago, Illinois, and graduated from Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park, Illinois, in 1964.

Gene proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for eight years, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant and serving two tours in Vietnam. As a flight engineer with the 309th Air Commandos, he flew aboard C-123 Providers and C-130 Hercules, completing more than 2,150 combat sorties and 300 combat missions. His service was recognized with the Distinguished Flying Cross, eight Air Medals, and numerous other military honors.

After his military service, Gene began a career with AT&T, where he worked as a Communications Technician for more than three decades until his retirement. A self-taught mechanic, Gene could fix just about anything and had a lifelong love of hot rods and motorcycles. But nothing compared to the freedom he found riding his Harley-Davidson alongside his brothers in the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. Gene was a Life Member of the association and proudly spent 15 years with the Mile High Chapter.

For Gene, the Piper Inn was almost a second home. He could regularly be found there with his veteran buddies, cigar in hand, telling stories, laughing, and probably giving someone a hard time. He was a familiar and much-loved fixture there, known by the staff and countless regulars.

It was a place where Gene felt at home, surrounded by people he loved and who loved him right back.

Gene was funny, quick-witted, fiercely loyal, and never short on a story or a joke. He had a way of making people laugh and a presence that was impossible to miss. To those who knew him, he was much more than his military accomplishments—he was a husband, a father, a friend, a veteran, and one hell of a character.

Gene is survived by his wife, Teresa Schroeder, and his sons, Jason Schroeder and Bryce Schroeder. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Bernadine Schroeder, and his brother, Dale Schroeder.

He will be deeply missed by his family, his Combat Vet brothers, his many friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Ride free, Gene.