[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 155 (Friday, October 11, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1023]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





             HONORING THE LEGACY OF DONALD ALBERT SCHROEDER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 11, 2024

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to pay 
tribute to a remarkable individual whose legacy will forever resonate 
in the annals of California agriculture and community service. Donald 
Albert Schroeder, known affectionately as Don, departed this life on 
October 24, 2023, at the age of 96 in Orange Cove, California. Born on 
November 29, 1926, in Santa Ana, California, to Albert and Louise 
Schroeder, Don's journey was one of enduring commitment and profound 
contributions.
  Don's academic journey began at the University of California, Los 
Angeles, where he earned his bachelor's degree with honors in 
Agriculture in 1949. He furthered his education at the University of 
California, Davis, obtaining a master's degree. Stepping into the 
agricultural realm, Don, alongside his father A.F. Schroeder, 
cultivated the fertile lands of Orange County before making a 
significant move to the Central Valley in 1958. For six fruitful 
decades, Don played a pivotal role in shaping the agricultural 
landscape of the San Joaquin Valley, establishing ranches, and 
contributing significantly to the citrus industry in California.
  In 1983, after the loss of his first wife, Marian Olsen Picher, Don 
remarried Sharon Burkdoll Carey. Together, they embarked on a new 
chapter, developing a ranch in Orange Cove dedicated to citrus and 
olives. Don's leadership extended beyond the groves; he was a 
foundational member of the California Farm Bureau Federation, serving 
as Chairman of the Board from 1955 to 1956. His impact on the citrus 
industry was immeasurable, co-founding California Citrus Mutual in 1977 
and serving as Chairman from 1981 to 1984.
  Don's commitment to community service was equally profound. A devoted 
member of the Orange Cove Lions Club and the American Legion, he gave 
generously to the betterment of his community. His benevolence reached 
beyond borders, as he and Sharon provided assistance to the Hopi Tribe 
in Second Mesa, Arizona, imparting knowledge on irrigation systems and 
modern farming techniques.
  Beyond the orchards and boardrooms, Don found solace in the great 
outdoors. A passionate hiker and skier, he, along with close friends, 
traversed the California Sierras for over 50 years. Even into his 70s, 
Don embraced the thrill of operating snowcats at China Peak, showcasing 
a zest for life that inspired all who knew him.
  In the tapestry of his life, Don leaves a legacy of agricultural 
innovation, community service, and a love for the land. His impact will 
endure in the hearts of family, friends, and the agricultural community 
he so deeply loved. He is survived by three children, Julia Picher, 
Robert Carey, and Renee Aitelli (Peter); his grandchildren, Marcel 
Mendes (Erin), Alex Aitelli (Haley), and Audrey Aitelli; three great-
granddaughters; and his niece and nephew, Joanne Riedel and Ed Riedel 
(Melanie).
  Mr. Speaker, I invite my esteemed colleagues to join me in honoring 
the memory of Donald Albert Schroeder, a pioneer and steward of 
California agriculture. May his legacy continue to inspire future 
generations.

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