Joe Schumacher
CROFTON — Joe Schumacher, 83 Crofton, died Sept. 30, 2021, at the Avera Sacred Heart Majestic Bluffs, Yankton, S.D.
Mass of Christian Burial was Oct. 4 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Crofton, with the Rev. Jim Keiter officiating.
Burial was at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery, Crofton.
Visitation and a vigil service were Sunday, at church, and continued Monday one hour prior to services.
Pallbearers were Logan Schumacher, Cole Schumacher, Travis Schumacher, Taylor Schumacher, Tanner Schumacher, Evan Hegge, Dayton Schumacher, Matt Schumacher and Nash Schumacher.
Honorary pallbearers were Joe’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Arrangements were under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Crofton.
Joe was born April 19, 1938, in Crofton, to Vince and Neva (Sawatzke) Schumacher, on the family farm south of Crofton. After he graduated from Crofton Public High School in 1956, he joined the U.S. Army National Guard. Joe married Geraldine Kaiser, St Helena, Feb. 3, 1959. They raised seven boys and three girls on that farm.
Joe and Gerri moved to Crofton 10 years ago. He enjoyed playing card games like Sheephead and Pitch, as well as various card games with his grandkids. Joe looked forward to driving his 620 John Deere tractor in the Tri-State Old Iron Association rides. But most of all, he enjoyed farming more than life itself. In fact, Joe was recently quoted as saying “I’ve never missed harvesting, but it looks like I’m going to this year.”
Joe was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Order of Foresters and The Tri-State Old Iron Association.
Joe is survived by his wife, Gerri, Crofton; 10 children, Dan, Crofton; Larry (Deb), St. Helena; Duane (Luann), Bloomfield; Pam (Steve) Hegge, Dell Rapids, S.D.; Rob (Melonie), Sioux Falls, S.D.; Tim (Cindy), Orland Park, Ill.; Randy (Morgan), Milwaukie, Ore.; Jill Sinica, Lincoln; Dave, Crofton; and Leah (Ryan) Robb, Scotland, S.D.; 26 grandchildren and one on the way; 18 great-grandchildren and three on the way; and his sister, Vicki Schumacher, Crofton.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Terry Sudbeck; and three infant siblings, Carol, Gordon and Ralph.