Carol L. Schroeder-Dahlsten

Carol Lee Schroeder-Dahlsten, 90, of McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 4, 2023, surrounded by family in her home.  She was a Pizza Hut Franchisee and actively involved in the operations of many Pizza Hut restaurants in Kansas and Arizona.  Also, in McPherson, she owned and operated Applegate’s Landing and the Pear Tree Restaurant/Peppy Partridge Dinner Club.

Carol was born September 26, 1932, in Tipton, KS, the daughter of Joseph John and Mathilda Anna (Moritz) Krier.  She grew up outside Tipton “on the farm”, where she met her husband the first day of high school.  On September 3, 1951, Carol was united in marriage to Eugene (Geno) H. Schroeder.  After their many years in Wichita, they ventured together to open their first Pizza Hut restaurant in McPherson in 1972. Geno preceded her in death on April 27, 1988, but she continued to operate and grow the Pizza Hut Franchises. 

She later married David Edward Dahlsten on August 3, 1989. Together, they traveled abroad many times.  Perhaps, their favorite vacations were to their beloved golf destinations in Arizona and Arkansas.  After 32 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on October 2, 2021.

Carol never lost her zest for life and remained active until shortly before her death.  Her generosity and compassion  extended beyond her family and touched everyone she met.  Rarely would you speak to her without her sharing a witty remark or “saucy” joke to make you smile.  

Survivors include: three daughters, Pat Neef (Jim) of Castle Rock, CO, Jo Littrell of McPherson, KS, and Beth Chalmers (Bruce) of Overland Park, KS; step-son, John Dahlsten (Wende) of Reno, NV; daughter-in-law, Janet Balzer of McPherson, KS; step-daughter, Michelle Dahlsten Kratofil (David) of Kansas City, MO; grandchildren include Jeremy, Jarod, Dianne, Justin, Katie, Jessica, Abbey, Matthew, Mollie, Brandell, Carolann; two step-grandchildren, Aaron and Alex; 17 great-grandchildren; and many extended family and friends.  She was preceded in death by her son, Tim Schroeder; son-in-law, Shelby Littrell; and six siblings.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Friday, February 10, 2023, with Rosary following at 7:00 PM, all at St. Joseph Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, February 11, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Benjamin Shockey officiating.  Burial will follow at McPherson Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St. Joseph Catholic Church or Macular Degeneration Association in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.