Ronald “Red” Schumacher, age 75 of Beaver Dam, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 25, 2014 at his home surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Ron was born on December 19, 1938 to Abbie (Powell) and Clarence Schumacher in Juneau, WI. He graduated from Juneau High School in 1956. He was united in marriage to Patti Rechek on June 27, 1992 at their home in Beaver Dam. Ron spent nearly 40 years working in steel fabrication jobs, including factories such as John Deere, Metalfab, Mayville Metal and Danly Die.
Ron’s biggest passion was animal trapping. This was a trade taught to him by his father at a very young age. He spent countless hours on the marshes and rivers in Dodge County pursuing muskrats and many other animals and taking pride in his skinning and fleshing skills. Over the years, he also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his many friends. Ron was a member of many sportsman organizations and a lifetime member of Wisconsin Trappers Association and North American Trap Collectors Association. He had an extensive animal trap collection and enjoyed frequent swap meets and shows with this trapper buddies.
“Red”, as he was known by many, was a motorcycle enthusiast for more than 40 years. He owned and rode a variety of Harley Davidson motorcycles throughout the years. He, along with his wife Patti were inseparable, traveling to the Black Hills motorcycle rallies numerous times and all over the surrounding states. Red was a regional representative for ABATE of WI during the 1980’s, enlisting a huge following for this organization.
Ron touched countless lives throughout the years and was surrounded by friends wherever he went, due to his kindheartedness and his “gift to gab”. During his retired years, Red found enjoyment having daily breakfasts and lunches with friends, playing cribbage with family, going to casinos and spending evenings visiting with good neighbors on the front porch. Ron’s children, along with his wife Patti, have formed a true and special family that brought much happiness to him as he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, especially in his latter years.
Ron is survived by his loving wife, Patti Schumacher of Beaver Dam; seven children, Gina (Jay) Olson of Leighton Bromswold, England, Rick Schumacher of Beaver Dam, Liza (Lou) Lindow of Fond du Lac, Janice (Wade) Corkran of Clarksville, TN, Therese (Bruce) Reetz of Juneau, Joseph (Cindy) Munro of Beaver Dam and Brenda (Hugh Hatzinger) Schumacher of Beaver Dam; 15 grandchildren, Sheena, Jonathon, Heidi, Erica, Lexi, Lydia, Megan, Matthew, Michael, Alicia, Jessica, Joshua, Jackson, Marissa and Kelsey; two great-grandchildren, Damon and Emmalou and one on the way; one sister, Marlene (Kenneth) Steffen of Juneau; his mother-in-law, Betty Rechek and brothers- and sisters-in-law, Richard (Lynn) Rechek, Steven (Marie) Rechek, Thomas (Mary) Rechek, Timothy (Lynn) Rechek, David (Laura) Rechek and Lisa Rechek. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Abbie and Clarence Schumacher, his father-in-law, Leonard Rechek, son-in-law, Brad Rabbit and a sister in law, Mary Rechek.
A Service celebrating the life of Ron will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam. Memorial Gathering will take place prior to the service at Cornerstone, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and a continued time of fellowship will follow the Memorial Service at Cornerstone with a luncheon.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Agnesian Health Care, Dr. Jones and staff of Agnesian Cancer Center, as well as the staff of St. Agnes Hospice Hope of Fond du Lac. If desired, memorials in Ron’s name may be directed to Agnesian Cancer Center or St. Agnes Hospice Hope of Fond du Lac.
“Legends Never Die”
Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd, Beaver Dam, is honored to be serving the family. You may send private online condolences or sign the family’s guest book at www.cstonefs.com
