BRADLEY GEORGE SCHROEDER, 67, of Reeds Spring, MO went to be with our Heavenly Father on December 15, 2019, after a 5-year battle with cancer and undergoing 3 Stem Cell Transplants. Born May 12, 1952 in Columbus, Ohio, he was the son of Gerald and Jane Schroeder. Brad will forever be remembered by his wife and soul mate, Mindy, with whom he enjoyed 15 years of marriage, a son, Evan Schroeder, daughter-in-law, Chloe of Iowa City, Iowa, his sister, Bethann Silvey, brother-in-law, Stephen of Delaware, Ohio, niece, Heather Kimura and husband, Adam, nephew Abram Silvey and wife, Rachel, sister-in-law, Marty Schmitt and husband, Larry, along with countless other family, friends and colleagues who were blessed and inspired by him.

Brad's musical background had an auspicious beginning as a Westminster Abbey choirboy in London, England, where he lived for 7 years with his family. It was at Westminster school that he developed his hard work ethics and love of beautiful music. When the family returned home from England, he refined his guitar and vocal performance skills. In 1970, he graduated from Rutherford B. Hayes High School.

A year after graduation, as a college sophomore at Miami University of Ohio, Brad received a call that would change his musical avocation into a vocation. The caller was Fred Waring with an offer to join his glee club, the Pennsylvanians, on their national concert tour. Two weeks later, Brad was in New York City appearing on the David Frost television show as a member of the famous choral group . . . he was 19. In the three years that he was with the Fred Waring Show, Brad had traveled to all 49 continental United States and performed over 400 concert dates.

Brad left the Pennsylvanians to continue work on his degree at the College Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati. But after a year, another job offer–this time from Johnny Mann, prompted him to move to Los Angeles, California. Brad found himself on the concert circuit again which included venues such as the Kennedy Center and Hollywood Bowl. While in Hollywood, Brad broke into the recording business and soon was singing on national commercial spots, jingles, television specials and major record label recordings.

A career highlight came in 1976, when Brad was hired by Connie Stevens to perform in her Las Vegas show. Then, onto his last concert tour as a member of one of his favorite groups, The New Christy Minstrels. Brad served as emcee, featured soloist, guitarist, musical arranger and production coordinator for the group. It was after this tour, at the age of 25, that Brad left performance for a career in show production. He moved from Los Angeles to Dallas to join the corporate show production staff of Six Flags.

Brad spent nearly twelve years with Six Flags and was involved in producing over 150 shows at 10 locations nationwide within that period of time. Brad used his experience in the recording studio business and a Bachelor Degree in Communication from the University of Texas to start up and manage a corporate sound recording studio and post-production facility.

In 1989, Brad moved from Dallas to the Branson, Missouri, when he accepted the position of Director of Entertainment for the Silver Dollar City serving as Executive Producer for the theme park's live stage shows.

It was in 1991 that the joy of his life, son, Evan, was born.

In the 31 years that he had the good fortune to work for Silver Dollar City, Brad wrote and produced the musical productions, Listen To The River, For The Glory, A Christmas Carol, Headin' West, A Wonderful Life and most recently, Rueben's Swashbuckling Adventure that won the Golden Ticket Award for Best New Show in 2019. He also co-produced a $2M laser and special effects show for Celebration City as well as the live entertainment aboard the Showboat Branson Belle. A Schroeder Show is known for entertaining the audience while leaving them with an inspirational message. He was honored to be promoted to Vice President of Entertainment and Events and to receive The Golden Arrow award from Herschend Family Entertainment.

Brad's favorite pastimes were boating and skiing on Table Rock Lake where many sunset dinners were enjoyed with Mindy. He was a devoted fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes football team, Formula One Racing and good hazelnut coffee. His management style was “leading from behind”, embracing every opportunity for a “teachable moment” and mentoring his beloved team members. He recognized that the collaboration he had with his musical production group along with the team at Entertainment and Events was a rare blessing that he treasured. He was proud of Silver Dollar City culture, the leadership and the citizens who were steadfast in his corner.

Moreover, Brad loved God and inspired many with his faith and hope, which he never gave up. He deeply loved his family, revered his friends and was always grateful for the Wonderful Life he had. He will be forever remembered for his ready smile and booming laugh.

Family and friends are invited to attend a “Celebration of Life Service” on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 420 W. Main Street, Branson, Missouri. A family reception line will begin at 1:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to “Be The Match” at bethematch.org. This foundation conducts groundbreaking research and provides financial support for marrow transplant. They are committed to continuing this work in the name of Brad.