Norman Schumaker

Born on July 11, 1927 in the riverfront city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Norman J. Schumaker was the son of Jacob and Laura (Weber) Schumaker. Marked by exciting times in America, from the world of fashion to the world to politics, forces clashed to produce one of the most explosive decades of the century. Prosperity followed many new advancements, discoveries, and inventions of the day which greatly improved the American way of life.

This was especially true for Norman and his family. His father worked at a dairy while his mother lovingly made a good home for her family on the city's northeast side where Norman continued to live throughout his life. Raised with his siblings in a home devoted to faith, they were members of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church where Norman attended elementary school. The hardships of the Great Depression brought times of economic struggle during Norman's youth along with the worrisome days of World War II. Norman went on to attend high school at the Seminary for three and a half years and for the remainder of his senior year, he attended Catholic Central High School, graduating in 1945.

Not long after, Norman was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army from October 1945 to November of 1946. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home and began working at Herpolsheimer's in downtown Grand Rapids selling shoes. The day Norman laid eyes on Margaret Vitek, Norman's heart skipped a beat. Smitten from the start, the feeling was mutual and they soon began dating. On October 20, 1951, Norman and Margaret were happily married at St. Alphonsus.

Blessed abundantly, Norman and Margaret shared the love of six wonderful children in their lives with the births of Karen, Gerard, Michael, Melissa, Rebecca, and Scott. A good provider, Norman worked in newspaper engraving sales, but he always made time for his children. He coached softball on a few of the kid's teams, and also served as the girl's basketball coach at St. Alphonsus for a time. Numerous memories were made as a family sharing great trips to Wolf Lake in Lake County which was enjoyed by all. Church remained a special part of Norman's life where he was quite involved in the bingo program.

In his free time, Norman liked to golf, and was an avid fan of the Tigers and Cubs. Nicknamed "Stormin' Norman", he could keep up with the best of them. Most of Norman's travels included many trips to Las Vegas, mainly with his daughter, Melissa. Whenever anyone mentioned a trip, he was at the ready. Grandchildren were near and dear to Norman's heart. He spoke of them often, and was always there to help those he loved. With his outgoing personality and a stranger to none, Norman shared many friendships over the years. He could be a little feisty at times, but he had a terrific sense of humor. A talented people person, he could strike up a conversation with anyone.

Eventually, Norman and Margaret moved to Lincoln Square Senior Living. Following the death of his beloved Margaret in November of 2012, Norman moved to the Sanctuary at St. Mary’s where his health continued to diminish. Gone but never to be forgotten, the heart of Norman Schumaker lives on in the legacy he leaves behind.

Mr. Norman J. Schumaker, aged 86, of Grand Rapids, passed away at Lacks Cancer Center on Sunday, July 6, 2014. Norman was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret M. Schumaker. He is survived by his children, Karen M. Koprowski, Gerard P. Schumaker, Michael (Mary) Schumaker, Melissa (John) France, Rebecca (Michael) Boelens, and Scott (Lori) Schumaker; ten grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; sisters, Geraldine Krzeminski and Doris Overbeck; sister-in-law, Millie Schumaker; and many nieces and nephews. Norman was a WWII veteran who served in the U.S. Army, a founding member of the St. Alphonsus Cara Club and a lifelong member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 26, 2014, 11:00 AM with visitation on Saturday from 10:00-11:00 AM. Visitation will also be held at St. Alphonsus Church on Friday, July 25, 2014 from 6:00-8:00 PM with the Rosary at 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Lacks Cancer Center-3rd Floor Geriatrics, Faith Hospice or St. Alphonsus Church Capital Campaign. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory or to sign his online book.