In Memoriam | 1994 Inductee Lyle E. Schroeder
1994 Inductee Lyle E. Schroeder of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at Ava’s Hospice House, with his family by his side. Lyle was 89.
At the South Dakota Hall of Fame, we are honored to uplift inductee legacies long after they have passed. South Dakota Hall of Fame Inductees inspire generations of South Dakotans through their dynamic and inspiring life stories. Lyle E. Schroeder (1934-2024) made a positive impact on South Dakota through his dedicated leadership and touched the lives of countless individuals over his lifetime. Our condolences go out to Lyle’s family at this time.
Schroeder devoted over 35 years of service to Sioux Valley Hospital (SVH) in Sioux Falls, SD. He served as the president/CEO but started working in the housekeeping and maintenance departments. After graduating from Augustana, Lyle worked as a maintenance foreman at Sioux Valley Hospital. This enabled him to become familiar with the many aspects of a hospital operation. During this time, Lyle was able to relate to the needs and wants of the entry-level employee.
In 1960, he began his lifelong career as the hospital President/CEO. Under his leadership, Sioux Valley Hospital became a leader in innovations, cost-effectiveness, and high-quality medical care. Under Schroeder’s leadership, Sioux Valley Hospital received numerous top honors, including being named one of the top 100 hospitals in the country and one of the top 100 cancer treatment centers and top 100 cardiac centers as well. Lyle was blessed to navigate his healthcare career with many talented colleagues. After 36 years with Sioux Valley Hospital, Lyle retired in 1996.
As general chairman and coordinator of Forward Sioux Falls, Schroeder organized volunteers to raise over $1.8 million dollars in 78 days. This helped Sioux Falls receive the “#1 rating” by Money Magazine in 1992. That same year, Schroeder’s vision of Sioux Falls and dedication to SVH was commended by the Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce naming him “Sioux Falls’ Business Citizen of the Year.”
Throughout Schroeder’s career, he gave credit to the successes of Sioux Valley Hospital to his Board of Directors, the Medical staff, and his fellow employees. He was a firm believer that with a strong board of directors, a top-notch medical staff, and an excellent employee staff, one has the ingredients to have an outstanding hospital. He continued to be proud of, and a proponent of, the not-for-profit hospital system which results in the community and the patients as the ultimate shareholder.