It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. Martin Luther Schroeder, DDS, MAGD, of Biglerville, Pennsylvania. A devoted husband, cherished father, brother, uncle, and grandfather, accomplished dentist, and committed community servant. Martin died, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, excellence, and service.

Born April 20, 1951, in Baltimore, Maryland, Martin was the youngest of 5 children of Lutheran pastor Hugo W. Schroeder Sr and Florence Mae Schroeder. Martin graduated from Milford Mill High School in 1969, where he served as Senior Class President and was recognized for his leadership and character. In the family tradition, he attended Gettysburg College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Biology in 1973. During college, he developed lifelong friendships and passions, serving as president of the College Choir and as a member of Kappa Delta Rho fraternity. Upon graduating from Gettysburg, Martin married his high school sweetheart, Janet Lee Medcalf, on August 18, 1973.

After the wedding, Martin continued his academic journey at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1977. There, he distinguished himself with leadership roles, academic honors, and a deep commitment to pediatric dentistry. He then joined the U.S. Air Force and entered a General Practice Residency at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona. Later, he served as Acting Chief of Oral Surgical Services at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base in Michigan, earning the United States Air Force Commendation Medal for meritorious service.

Returning to civilian life, Martin founded a beloved general dentistry practice in Biglerville, where he served patients with compassion and skill from 1980 to 2016. Today his son, Dr. Matthew Schroeder, continues to carry on this tradition with his practice, Schroeder Family Dentistry.

Martin was deeply committed to lifelong learning and continuing education, earning Master status in the Academy of General Dentistry and receiving the prestigious Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition Award not once, but twice. His professional contributions extended far beyond the clinic, as he held numerous leadership positions in local, state, and national dental organizations, including as the President of the Pennsylvania Academy of General Dentistry and the Chair of the national PACE Committee on continuing education. Martin also gave back through missionary work in Guatemala, volunteer dental service with Head Start, and his long tenure as school dentist for the Upper Adams School District. His devotion to the underserved and to the development of future dental professionals reflected his deep sense of purpose.

A man of many passions, Martin was an avid musician, singing bass in church choirs and community ensembles, including Schola Cantorum. He also graced the stage with the Gettysburg Community Theater, where he served as a board member and acted in several productions. Whether sailing on the Chesapeake Bay, golfing, or gardening, Martin lived life with curiosity and joy.

Martin was a dedicated and loving family man. He shared 51 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Janet. Together, they raised three sons of whom he was immensely proud: Luke, Matt, and Hans. Martin was the joyful grandfather of seven grandchildren—Cassie, Adrienne, Aaron, Zac, Alice, Parker, and Marian—who were the center of his heart and the subject of countless stories and photos. He delighted in their company and in celebrating their milestones.

Martin’s life was defined by service to his family, his patients, his profession, and his community. He lived with integrity, humor, faith, and compassion. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 44 Chambersburg Street in Gettysburg, on Thursday, June 26 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Adams County Community Foundation or the Gettysburg Community Theater, in honor of Martin’s enduring commitment to service and the arts. Online tributes and condolences may be made at monahanfuneralhome

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