- Date Of Birth: November 6, 1922
- Date Of Death: December 22, 2015
- State: Montana
Francis Joseph Schumacher was born November 6, 1922 to Frank Schumacher and Marie Hoffman Schumacher at Kenmare, North Dakota. He passed away at Immanuel Lutheran home December 22, 2015. He was educated at St. Agnes School in Kenmare. He graduated from high school in 1942. He entered the Army in 1943. His basic training was at Camp Hood, Texas where he was trained in tanks. He was then sent to New Britain, the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, Leyte, and Luzon as a member of the 112th regimental combat team, attached to the 1st Cavalry Division. Since heavy tanks were of little use in in the Pacific theater, he was trained and re-assigned as a sharpshooter. He earned the Bronze Star for his service.
After his honorable discharge, he attended college at Ellendale, ND studying the upholstery trade. He returned to Minot and was employed at Keatings Furniture. On November 20, 1948 he married Adeline Muske. They moved to Kalispell in 1955, where he opened his own upholstery shop. He was a master upholsterer and earned a reputation of being able to fix most any furniture or auto interior.
After his retirement in 1986 he shared his talents of repairing with the Kalispell Senior Center. He was a nearly 70 year member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). He was a very active member, holding many offices over the years. Francis was named Volunteer of the Year five times for his work at the Veterans’ Home located in Columbia Falls.
Francis enjoyed Ashley Lake, where he and Adeline purchased a cabin, enjoying the time there with his children and grandchildren. He was a member of the Flathead Valley Good Sams for over 20 years. Traveling was one of his special interests.
After his 70th birthday he learned to oil paint and won many ribbons at the fair. He was a very gifted handyman, which he used to help many elderly people. He and Adeline helped deliver commodities to seniors and did substitute driving for Meals on Wheels.
Francis was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Adeline, his parents, four sisters, and two brothers. He is survived by two brothers, James and Luke, from Kenmare, ND. He has four children: Steven (Carol) Schumacher of Malta, Susan (John) Ramsey of Townsend, Randall (Becky) Schumacher of Kalispell, and Sandi (Tim) Shawhan of Billings. Francis has seven grandchildren, Amber (Bruce) Brensdal of Jefferson City, MT, Erik (Megan) Schumacher of Boise, ID, Andrew (Alison) Ramsey of Colleyville, TX, Joel (Tara) of Belgrade, MT, Michelle (Scott) McKnight of Opportunity, MT, Katie Schumacher of Opportunity, MT, and Timothy Shawhan of Billings, MT. He has seven great-grandchildren; Logan and Jett Brensdal, Reese and Carson Ramsey, Tori Schumacher, and Benjamin and Abby McKnight.
