Gene Schroeder’s wife, Doris J. Schroeder Richey, was a First United Methodist Church member.
The Bears’ 1951 first-round draft pick, who played for the team for seven seasons, died of natural causes on January 28, 2025, at the age of 95.
Highlights
- Gene Schroeder passed away peacefully at 95 on January 28, 2025.
- He married Doris J. Schroeder Richey in 1952 and had three children.
- Gene’s daughter Carole Schroeder married Tim Dorece in 1987.
The freelance journalist at CAN Communications, Carrie Napoleon, poured a tribute to Gene through her Facebook handle. She wrote,
Just learned the oldest living Chicago Bear is no longer with us. Gene Schroeder was one of my favorite interviews of all time and happened near the end of my 30-years as a full-time journalist. (not sure where my byline is on this). He was a fascinating man — way more than just a “Bear” — and still sharp as a tack, even at 94. He will be missed. Bear down, Gene, bear down. RIP.
Carrie Napoleon
The Bears selected Schroeder with the 12th overall pick in the 1951 NFL draft. As a rookie, he led the team with 461 receiving yards while also playing safety.
He had an even better season in 1952, but then missed the entire 1952 season and part of 1954 to serve in the Navy and suffered an injury during his service that affected him for the rest of his career.
Gene said he always appreciated George Halas, the Bears’ coach and owner, for his treatment of his military service.
Schroeder said that when he left the Bears for the Navy, Halas gave him a $2,500 salary advance and a new set of tires for his car.
He also said that Halas kept him on the team and paid him extra after he was injured.
Halas also helped Schroeder get an offseason job that paid as much as his Bears salary. Gene said,
“Coach Halas was wonderful to play for and never raised his voice,” “He was like a father to me.”
Gene Schroeder
Gene Schroeder’ Wife, Doris J. Schroeder Richey, Was A Gardener With A Master Gardener Degree
In the summer of 1952, a young Gene Schroeder, fresh off his first season with the Chicago Bears, attended a party in Washington, D.C., where he met Doris J. Schroeder Richey.
Soon, they fell in love and married after four months in 1952. Sadly, their married life ended after 61 years following the tragic death of Doris J. Schroeder Richey on April 12, 2013, at 81.
Her memorial service was held at First United Methodist Church, 352 South Main St., Crown Point, on Friday, April 19, 2013.
Doris was born on September 12, 1931, to her father, Alfred Richey, and her mother, Opal Richey, in Crown Point, IN.
She was a gardener with a Master Gardener Degree from Purdue University who approached 1000 hours of volunteer work as a Master Gardener when she could not continue due to health issues.
Her beautiful gardens have been well-known in Crown Point for many years, and they were featured on the Crown Point Garden Walk in 1993 and 1998.
In addition, Doris was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Crown Point for 38 years and was a tireless worker for the church.
She served several terms as president of the United Methodist Women, chairperson of the Alter Guild, and chairperson of the board of trustees.
Former Chicago Bears Wide Receiver Gene Schroeder Had Three Daughters With His Wife
Gene Schroeder And Doris J. Schroder Richey were blessed with three children: Carole Schroeder, Nancy Lagbehn, and Gail Schroeder.
Recently, Carole Schroeder announced her father’s death while talking with the Chicago Sun-Times. She said,
“He was just somebody who really loved his family, loved his life, loved his career,” Carole Schroeder told the Chicago Sun-Times. “He really appreciated all the time we had with him.”
Carole Schroeder
Carole married a video editor and producer for CNN, Tim Dorece, in 1987.
They have been married for over 38 years and have one daughter, Jenna Dorece.
On the other hand, Gene’s daughter Nancy is married to Jim Langbehn, with who she shares three children: Evan, Audra, and James Langbehn.
Gene’s third daughter has managed to stay away from social media. In addition, Gene and Doris had five great-grandchildren.
Additional Information
- Gene Schroeder played college football for the Virginia Cavaliers and was a first-round pick in the 1951 NFL draft.
- He graduated in 1950 from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in commerce.
- Doris J. Schroeder Richey grew up along with her brother Robert Rickey of Marshall, VA.
