Collin Schroeder

Collin H. Schroeder was born in Wausau, Wisconsin on May 13, 1927. As a teenager, he served on the Ski Patrol of Rib Mountain, earned an Eagle Scout Award in the Boy Scouts of America, swam in the Wisconsin River and YMCA pool, and played first chair violin in the Wausau High School Orchestra and soloed often in the First Methodist Church where he was a member.

After turning 18, during his senior year in High School, prior to the end of WWII, he joined the Navy (Medical Corps). Upon discharge he enrolled in Lawrence University. He earned a BS in Chemistry, played violin in the Lawrence Symphony Orchestra, was a member of Gamma Alpha, a graduate scientific fraternity, and Sigma Xi, an honorary scientific fraternity. He also pledged Beta Theta Pi fraternity.

In 1950, Collin was accepted into Dr. Karl Paul Link's Biochemistry Lab as a PhD candidate at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. This was during the early years of development and marketing of Warfarin "Rat Killer". Dr. Link asked Collin to prepare a derivative of Warfarin that could be used clinically for human use. This became known as Coumadin. The Coumadin patent was issued to Collin and Dr. Link in 1963.

After moving to Madison, the young family joined Covenant Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon. Collin worked as head of research and development at the WARF Laboratory doing contract research. After 23 years, Collin and a colleague established their own contract research lab where he worked until age 82.

Collin is survived by his wife, Margaret, of 66 years. Four children: C. Mark (Michele), Sarah Jane, Anne Sauer (Duncan) and Michael G. and many grandchildren. He is also survived by many additional family and friends. There was a private family funeral. There will be an informal gathering to celebrate Collin's life at a later date. Please share a memory.

Cress Center
6021 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 238-8406