Charles "Chuck" Bernard Schroeder

Charles Bernard Schroeder (Chuck), 82, of Danville, Illinois passed away on April 5th, 2026 surrounded by family.

Chuck was born on June 26, 1943 in Alton, Illinois. He was the son of Joseph and Mary (Welch) Schroeder and brother to Joseph William (Cindy) Schroeder, all who preceded him in death.

Chuck’s parents owned and operated Milton Greenhouse, a flower shop, greenhouse, and landscape company in Alton for 50 years.

He graduated from Alton High School in 1961 and went on to obtain a Bachelor’s of Science in Ornamental Horticulture and later a Master’s in Education from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. His father also graduated in Ornamental Horticulture, and his mother graduated in Elementary Education in 1929 and 1930, respectively, from the University of Illinois. He met the love of his life, Cheryl Schroeder, at the University of Illinois; the same place where his parents met thirty years before. In July he and Cheryl would have celebrated 60 years of marriage together.

Chuck carried on his parents’ love of plants and teaching respectively throughout his life. After graduating, he taught landscaping in the Federal Manpower Training Program in Chicago for one year. He married Cheryl, moved to Danville, and started teaching Horticulture at Danville Junior College in 1966. After teaching for 41 years, he retired from Danville Area Community College (DACC) in 2007. Chuck was Head of the Ornamental Horticulture Department during his last 15 years at DACC.

While teaching at DACC Chuck wrote 3 college textbooks for Interstate Publishers Company: Turf Management Handbook, Introduction to Horticulture, and Landscape Design, Construction, and Maintenance. His Introduction to Horticulture textbook was the top selling Interstate Publishers book for 5 consecutive years. He personally trained hundreds of students to become Golf Course Superintendents, and many more to work in the landscape and florist industries. Countless more were inspired by his writings in ways that may never be known.

Chuck served on many boards including Vermilion Fair and Expo, Danville Evening Newcomers, PTA, Red Cross, Rotary, Habitat for Humanity, and Danville Boat Club. He was elected to District 118 School Board 3 times, for 12 years total, and served as President for 6 of those years. He was also appointed to the Vermilion County Conservation District Board, serving for 5 years, and as Board President for 3 years. He enjoyed riding motorcycles with his son Mark, and SCUBA diving. He was an avid reader, leaving behind a shelf full of books he read a great number of times.

After retiring, Chuck and Cheryl spent many wonderful years traveling the world. They have been to over 60 countries including Australia, China, Russia, Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, France, The Vatican, Israel, Jordan, all the Caribbean Islands, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, Canda, and all 50 United States.

Chuck and Cheryl are the parents of Michelle (Tom) Ramage and Mark (Sonnia) Schroeder. Their grandchildren are Colin (Megan) Ramage, Sarah Schroeder and Hannah Schroeder. Their great-grandchildren are Sean and Emilia Ramage.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 10, 2026 at St Paul’s Catholic Church Danville, Illinois, 1303 North Walnut Street, Danville, Illinois 61832. Father John Cyr will officiate. Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 PM on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834.

Memorials may be made in Chuck’s memory to Danville District 118 School Foundation or the Danville Rotary Club Foundation.

Please join Chuck’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos of his life through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .