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Wes G. Schroeder, ’64 DVM

Wes G. Schroeder, ’64 DVM, Minnetonka, Minn., died January 27 at 82. Schroeder grew up on a farm near Bemidji, Minn., and was one of six children. He was the first in his family to attend college. He was active in the Beltrami County 4-H Club. Upon graduating from Bemidji High School in 1954, Schroeder joined the U.S. Army, serving as a medic in the 82nd Airborne Division. After serving for two years, he attended the University of Minnesota on the GI Bill, earning a bachelor of science in veterinary medicine in 1962. While in college, he spent his summers working as a smokejumper for the U.S. Forest Service in McCall, Idaho.

After finishing his DVM at the CVM, Schroeder taught large animal veterinary medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and then Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. In 1966, he opened one of the first equine-specific veterinary practices in Minnesota and ran it on his own out of his home in Wayzata for four years before cofounding Minnesota Equine Associates Ltd. in 1972 in Maple Plain, Minn. Schroeder served the community as a dedicated equine veterinarian for nearly 48 years.

During his career, Schroeder was active in many national, state, and local equine organizations and committees, including acting as president of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) in 1979. While president of the MVMA, he administered the Veterinarian’s Oath at the CVM commencement ceremony. He also served as the chairman of public relations for MVMA, the first president of the Minnesota Association of Equine Practitioners, the president of the MVMA Academy of Veterinary Medical Practice, and the president of the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Alumni Association.

In 1981, Schroeder was honored as Horseman of the Year by the Minnesota Horse Council. His lifelong career reflected a dedication of time and energy to many equine areas, including participating in endurance and competitive trail riding in the upper midwest, mentoring equine veterinary students, and teaching horse health manment classes throughout the region. Schroeder was also a national award winner in competitive mounted orienteering in 1985. He is survived by 4 children and 6 grandchildren.


A Memorial Open House was held at the University of Minnesota Leatherdale Equine Center on Saturday, February 23. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that contributions be made to the Strike Zone "Striker" Memorial Equine Scholarship at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. If you have questions about this fund, contact Mindy Means, development officer at the CVM, at 612-626-5482 or mkmeans@umn.edu.

Wes G. Schroeder, ’64 DVM