Alvin J. “Al” Schumacher Sr., age 87, of Dorr, died Saturday, Jan. 18
Al was born Jan. 16, 1938, to Herman and Agatha (Striegle) Schumacher. Born into a farming family in New Salem, he moved to Grand Rapids, and graduated from Catholic Central in 1956.
He spent seven years in the National Guard.
Al married Rose Whipple April 20, 1963.
He was a dedicated worker of Spartan Stores Inc. and a proud member of Teamster Local 406 for 36 years. As a longtime farmer, he returned back to his roots, bought a farm where he continued to farm for the next 60-plus years until his death.
Farming was a great source of pride to him, with endless hours of hard work, he still found it very rewarding. As many hours were spent on the tractor, so were as many decades of the Rosary prayed. Al was a longstanding member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church and a member of the Men’s Society.
Al was a true fan of the Detroit Tigers and the Detroit Lions, never missing a game.
He is survived by his children Kathy (Fred) Wernette, Al (Susan) Schumacher Jr., Ken Schumacher, Dave (Carol) Schumacher, Julie (Larry) Zomerlei, Steve (Carrie) Schumacher; daughter-in-law, Kris Schumacher; his grandchildren, he was very proud of – Josh (Sara), Ryan, Grant (Hannah Margaret), Luke (Macaela), Allie, Dustin (Lety), David (Lauren), Samantha (Xavier), Jordan (Jordan Alderton), Mikayla (Brandon), Tyler, Lexi (Tim); super papa to Dustyn, Bradyn, Isaiah, Camila, Nevaeh, Amelia, Andrew, Alivia, Eli; brothers Bob Schumacher, Dick (Nancy) Schumacher; sister, Bernie (Tom) Zomberg; in-laws Dan (Sandy) Whipple, Susan Nyburg, Alan (Marge) Whipple, Lori (Ron) Newcombe; and many extended family and friends.
Al was preceded in death by his loving wife, Rose; grandson, Nicholas Wernette; great-granddaughter, Charlotte Schumacher; in-laws Mary Schumacher, Dale (Kathy) Schumaker, and many of Rose’s family; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Services (Dorr Chapel), 4330 18th St., with prayers of the Rosary beginning at 4 p.m. A funeral mass will be held 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 1871 136th Ave., Dorr
In memory of Al and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Stanislaus Catholic School or Right to Life.
