Obit: Schumacher, Robert J. (1931 – 2018)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Schumacher, Lapp, Zuther, Hinke, O'Shoney

Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 19 Dec 2018

Schumacher, Robert J. (13 MAY 1931 – 15 DEC 2018)

Dorchester - Robert James Schumacher entered eternal rest on December 15, 2018 following complications from a stroke. He was born May 13, 1931 in Dorchester, Wisconsin to Peter and Goldy (Lapp) Schumacher.

Bob grew up on a dairy farm outside of Dorchester in the Town of Little Black. He attended Liberty School and was a 1949 graduate of Dorchester High School. While in high school, he met his future wife, Dorothy Zuther. In 1950 Bob completed the UW Madison Short Course in Agriculture and returned to the family farm to begin his farming career. Bob and Dorothy were married July 9, 1955 and were blessed with 61 years of marriage. They continued to live in the farmhouse through their retirement years. Bob was Dorothy's devoted caretaker for two years prior to her passing in 2017.

In addition to farming and helping raise eight children, Bob served a term as president of Heartland Cooperative and was on the loan review committee for Farm Home Administration. Locally, he was a member of the Dorchester Cemetery Board for 40 years, was a leader for Liberty 4-H club, and participated in county dairy organizations. Favorite spare time activities were fishing, deer hunting, couples' and men's bowling leagues and a senior softball team. Bob was an avid fan of Wisconsin sports teams. In his later years, mowing lawn, tending flowers, weeding gardens and picking apples kept him occupied. Bob loved to share his garden and orchard produce with others.

Bob was an active member of St. Peter Lutheran Church and loved his church family. He enjoyed helping care for his grandchildren, as well as attending their athletic events, band/choir concerts, and dance recitals. Special memories include chaperoning Medford High School band trips.

Bob is survived by his children: Ellen (Brian), Jenifer, Sally (Rick), Catherine (Rob), Ryan (Kelly), Neal (Pamela), Ned (Tracy), and Tony (Kathy). His 19 grandchildren include: Todd, Timothy, Andrew, Gabriel, Ariana, Benjamin, Samuel, Luke, Zachary, Karlyn, Evan, LeeAnn, Elise, Audrey, Tyler, Mara, Hallie, Douglas, and Elaine. Bob thoroughly enjoyed his great-grandchildren Aden, Tenley, Jovie, Reid, Otto, Isabelle and two more he knew would be arriving in 2019. He is also survived by his sister Marlene and her husband Bryce Hinke, as well as sister-in-law Adeline O'Shoney, and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his wife Dorothy, two young sons-Todd and Reid, as well as his siblings Verna, Melvin, Cecelia, and Agnes.

Visitation will be Saturday, December 22 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Dorchester. Funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm with Rev. Shawn Andersen officiating. Maurina Schilling Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Robert will be laid to rest in the Dorchester Cemetery next to his wife and two young sons.

Memorials may be designated to Marshfield Medical Center Foundation-Palliative Care or St. Peter Lutheran Church.

Friends may send online condolences to www.maurinaschilling.com.