Russell Schumaker

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Russell Schumaker lived a life of purpose filled with the people and experiences be loved. He was a hardworking man who called the Grand Rapids area home throughout his entire life’s journey. Blessed to spend 60 years with the love of his life, Russell was thrilled to witness his family tree blossom to include his daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren later in life. As one who liked to be busy, he was a man of many interests that greatly enriched his life. Deeply loved, Russell will be forever missed.

Life during the 1930s was anything but easy as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Jobs were scarce, the unemployment rate soared, and countless American families lost their homes as a result. It was as this decade was just getting started that Leo and Edna (Laws) Schumaker were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the first whispers of spring began to appear on the horizon in March of 1931. The big day finally arrived when the baby boy they named Russell Lyle drew his first breath on March 25th in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was one of four Schumaker children as he was raised in the family home alongside his sisters, Edith, Theresa, and Marilyn. In many ways, Russell was a young boy of his generation who learned of the value of family, hard work, and unwavering faith at an early age.

As a young man, Russell was eager for all that life had in store. He spent some time serving in the United States Marines and was proud to do so. It was also during his years as a young man that Russell met the love of his life. Her name was Bonnie Slabbekoorn, and sparks flew right from the start. They began dating and soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Russell and Bonnie were married. Together they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Linda, and he was an important part of her life. To support his family Russell worked as an upholsterer for Steelcase for over 40 years until retiring after 47 years of dedicated service. There were always family pets around, and they were important parts of his life as well.

Whenever he was able, Russell enjoyed busying himself with a variety of things that interested him. He was a man of faith who was a member of Mt. Olive Lutheran since 1956, also serving there as a trustee. Russell enjoyed golfing and also bowled on various leagues at Westgate Bowling. Over the years he and Bonnie took numerous bus trips together, and he loved visiting the casinos. In fact, any casino would do, and the $.05 slots were always his favorite.

All who knew Russell Schumaker would agree that he was an extraordinary man to know and love. He worked hard, but he also took the time to enjoy each new day he was given while taking nothing for granted. It was easy to see that Russell’s family was his greatest treasure, and it was when surrounded by their love that he experienced true joy. He had his own little quirks such as how he was always losing his glasses, but these little things truly made him his own person. Taken from his loved ones without warning, Russell will never be forgotten.

SCHUMAKER – Russell L. Schumaker, aged 84, passed away unexpectedly on December 29, 2015. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Thomas Korreck. Russell is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Bonnie (Slabbekoorn); daughter, Linda Korreck; grandchildren, Christopher (Karen) Korreck, Olivia Shafer, and Isaac Korreck; and great-grandchildren, Liz, Clare, Tom, and Alex. Also surviving are his siblings, Edith (Art) Zahm, Theresa Borgsma, and Marilyn Alberda; sister-in-law, Pat (Kiven) Graves; brothers-in-law, David Slabbekoorn and Michael Slabbekoorn; and many nieces and nephews. Russell served his country in the U.S. Marines during the Korean Conflict. He retired from Steelcase after 47 years and filled his days with the loves of his life: his wife, grandkids, the family pets, gambling, and the Church. You will always be missed Poppa. The Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM on Monday, January 4, 2016 at Mr. Olive Lutheran Church, 3950 Leonard St. NW with Rev. Bomberger officiating. The family will receive visitors from 2-4 PM on Sunday at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. Contributions in his memory may be made to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to archive a memory, photo, or sign the guestbook online.