Frederick “Fred” Duane Schroth, 95, of Salina, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. He was born on February 10, 1931 on a farm south of Concordia, KS to Fred J. and Margaret (Specht) Schroth. He graduated from Concordia High School in 1949 and while attending Kansas State University, met Joan C. Schroth of Kansas City, Kansas at a dance on a tennis court on campus. They were married on April 25, 1953. After serving in the United States Coast Guard during the Korean Conflict, Fred returned to Manhattan, KS and completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1958.

Fred then began a 30-year career working primarily as a Territory Manager for John Deere. He and Joan raised four children, and during that time, he was transferred 16 times across several states. An ardent student of architecture, Joan designed and built many of the homes the family lived in.  They shared a deep devotion to their family and their faith, and traveled to many historic sites during their 57 years together until Joan’s passing on February 23, 2011.

Not long after Joan passed away, Fred took a trip to Ireland sponsored by the local Catholic diocese where he met Margaret “Peg” Louise (Mohler) Hofer Kelly.  They formed a deep and lasting friendship and were married in April of 2012.  They enjoyed many years of travel, laughter, volunteer work, concerts at the Salina Symphony, and precious time with family. Peg passed away on December 31, 2024.

Fred is survived by his and Joan’s children: Jon Schroth (Tracy), Vicki Doyle (Mark), Susan Herrington (Robert), and Michele Sherraden (Mark); grandchildren: Erica Doyle, Savanna Schroth, Michael Sherraden, Tarah Herrington, Travis Herrington, and Wendy Hackmann. He is also survived by Peg’s loving family, who were very special to him: stepchildren Dr. Carolyn Hofer Zimmerman (Mark) and Paul Hofer (Shannon), and step-grandchildren Michal Jensen (Ray), Philip Hofer (Brooke), Ryan Zimmerman, Nathan Zimmerman, and Lauren Zimmerman.

Fred was preceded in death by his two wives (Joan and Peg); his parents, Fred and Margaret; his grandchild, Trent Herrington; and his siblings: Thelma Schroth, Maxine McGrath, William Schroth, Sr., Dorothy Hansen, Betty Nelson.

Fred’s life was defined by his quiet strength, steadfast faith, and profound love for his family.

A mass and celebration of life will be held March 21st at 10am at the Presbyterian Manor, Salina, KS.

Memorial contributions may be made to a Catholic charity or the Salina Presbyterian Manor Employee Christmas Fund in Fred and Peg’s memory.