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Steve Schroeder
Steve Schroeder, owner of Kirby's, dies
BY JOE STUMPE
The Wichita Eagle
Steve Schroeder never messed with the formula that made Kirby's Beer Store a favorite Wichita bar for generations of customers.
He had owned Kirby's, located across 17th Street from Wichita State, since 1993 and kept intact its multiple personalities -- part college bar, part neighborhood haunt and part new-music venue.
"He kept the spirit of the place, he kept the idea of there being all kinds of crazy stuff on the walls and all kinds of interesting people going there," said Richard Davies, who sold the bar to Mr. Schroeder and remained a regular.
Mr. Schroeder died Thursday while enjoying a drink at another longtime Wichita bar, Harry's Uptown Bar & Grill on East Douglas. He was 61.
While expressing shock over Mr. Schroeder's sudden death, customers also said they are worried about the future of Kirby's.
"It's just such a legendary place in the annals of music in Wichita," said Teri Mott, who's gone there since 1978.
Mr. Schroeder's sister, Nancy Haas, said she had been advised by her attorney to keep the bar closed until it can be sold.
"When my lawyer releases me to sell it, I plan to sell it," she said.
Friends said Mr. Schroeder grew up in Hanover, Kan., graduated from Emporia State and came to the bar business after a career as a teacher and banker. Short and stout, with white hair and beard, he could be found behind the bar dressed in shorts and a T-shirt from some band that had recently played on Kirby's tiny stage.
"He was a handful," Mott said. "He could be a real curmudgeon. But, ultimately, he really cared about the people around him and his clientele especially. They were like family."
Under Mr. Schroeder, Kirby's was best known for its music, sometimes hosting bands every night of the week. From nationally known acts like the Mekons to local groups seeking a first gig, Mr. Schroeder gave everyone and every kind of music a shot -- as long as they were willing to work for tips from the crowd.
"He loved music, you know," said Michael Carmody, who's played at Kirby's in various bands since 1990. "The wildest, most obnoxious band could come through, and at the end of the night he would say 'You guys are great.' "
Another musician, Tom Page, said Mr. Schroeder "really understood that we were making our own culture in Wichita and not relying on the rest of the world."
Others, like neighbor Emily Christensen, went to the bar to play cards or dominos and catch up with friends.
"Kirby's is like a church or family. I'm so upset it's ridiculous," she said.
Outside the bar, Schroeder enjoyed skiing, sailing, growing a few tomatoes and taking caring of cats named for brands of tequila. Schroeder also played on and sponsored softball teams in the Wichita Bar League.
Schroeder had suffered some health problems but his death was unexpected. He collapsed near midnight Thursday while having a drink at Harry's Uptown Bar, said its owner, Gary Cocking.
"A very nice guy," Cocking said. "He just laid his head down on the bar."
Paul Kroeker, a Kirby's bartender since 1995, said his boss died "in his second-favorite bar."
Reach Joe Stumpe at 316-269-6752 or jstumpe@wichitaeagle.com.
