Obit: Schumacher, Dorothy Ann (1933 - 2017)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Andersen, Hinke, O’Shoney, Schumacher, Vircks, Zuther

----Source: WIGM/WKEB Obituaries (Medford, WI) 2/22/2017

Schumacher, Dorothy Ann (Zuther) (6 NOV 1933 - 20 FEB 2017)

After dealing courageously with ovarian cancer, Dorothy Ann (Zuther) Schumacher, 83, entered eternal rest on February 20, 2017. She was born on September 27, 1933 in Athens, Wisconsin to Arnold and Olga (Vircks) Zuther. Dorothy grew up on a small farm outside of Dorchester and from an early age she developed a love of animals and gardening.

Dorothy attended St. Peter Lutheran Parochial School and was a 1951 graduate of Dorchester High School. While in high school she met her future husband, Robert Schumacher.

After high school Dorothy worked at an insurance agency. She also held administrative positions in Colby and Chicago. On July 9, 1955 Dorothy and Bob were married in Marathon County. Together Bob and Dorothy operated a successful dairy farm in the Town of Little Black.

Dorothy had an active role in keeping farm records, accounting, and registering their purebred Holsteins. While raising a large family, Dorothy was active in many community organizations. She served as Liberty 4-H general leader for many years and was a member of the Taylor County dairy promotions committee, the Medford school board, and the Busy Bees Homemakers Club.

In retirement she enjoyed singing in several community choirs, being a school reading volunteer, as well as a county Interfaith volunteer providing various services to seniors. Her home was always open to young families needing emergency daycare.

Dorothy was a lifelong active member of St. Peter Lutheran Church. She shared her talents in many ways including choir, ladies aid, altar guild and committees. Dorothy simply loved to serve the Lord and contribute wherever needed.

It was a joy for Dorothy to attend many of her children and grandchildren’s athletic events, concerts, dance recitals, and 4-H activities. Besides her husband Robert, Dorothy is survived by her children: Ellen (Brian), Jenifer, Sally (Rick), Catherine (Rob), Ryan (Kelly), Neal (Pamela), Ned (Tracy), and Tony (Kathy). Her 19 grandchildren include: Todd, Timothy, Andrew, Gabriel, Ariana, Benjamin, Samuel, Luke, Zachary, Karlyn, Evan, LeeAnn, Elise, Audrey, Tyler, Mara, Hallie, Douglas, and Elaine. Dorothy adored her great-grandchildren Aden, Tenley, Reid, and Otto. She is also survived by her sister Adeline (Don) O’Shoney and in-laws, Marlene and Bryce Hinke.

Preceding her in death were two young sons, Todd and Reid, as well as her sister Doris and brother Norman.

Visitation will be held at Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Dorchester on Sunday, Feb. 26 from 3:00-6:00 pm. The funeral service will be held on Monday, Feb. 27 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Dorchester with visitation one hour prior to the service. Rev. Shawn Andersen will officiate. She will be laid to rest in the Dorchester Cemetery next to her two young sons.

Memorials can be designated to St. Peter Lutheran Church or Hope Hospice-Medford, Wisconsin.