Franklin Schumacher

Franklin V. Schumacher, a well-known high school English teacher in the Wausau community, died peacefully October 12, 2017, with family at his bedside. He was 89. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jennie Mae (Klatt), his brother Eugene L. Schumacher of Neshkoro, Wisconsin, children F. Richard Schumacher (Cheryl) of Beverly Hills, Florida; Donna Moberg (Jon) of Shorewood, Wisconsin; Susan Schumacher (James Kamin) of Minneapolis; Kathryn Sullivan (Patrick) of Monona, Wisconsin; William V. Schumacher (Brenda) of Wausau; Kurt E. Schumacher (Tammie) of Wausau; Christopher J. Schumacher (Amy) of Bloomington, Illinois; seventeen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Frank R. and Marie Schumacher, and a sister Marie Claire Schumacher. Franklin was born February 10, 1928 in Evanston, Illinois and moved with his family to New London, Wisconsin in his early years. He was an outstanding high school athlete, playing fullback for the New London Bulldogs, and was a National Junior Ski Jump Champion. During World War II, Frank was a Petty Officer Third Class in Submarine Squadron 1 out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He earned B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and taught high school English and science courses for nearly forty years. A notoriously hard grader, Frank was one of the most beloved and respected teachers at Wausau East, passionately dedicated to improving the minds of all his students. He was a free thinker, challenged his students to be the same, and stubbornly insisted that every student, of any background, could, and should, enjoy the life of the enlightened mind. Franklin was an active participant in the important social causes of his time, particularly the civil rights movement. He was a member of Wausau's Human Rights Commission, welcomed inner city youth into his home for months in the summer, and often said the proudest moment of his life was arguing (successfully) with a Marathon County judge who said he should not adopt his youngest child, a person of color. Frank walked the walk. A lifelong learner, "Big Frank" was a student of all things historical, but particularly the Civil War and World War II. He loved the fine arts, especially opera, ballet, paintings, and classical music. He revered the Constitution, and enjoyed discussing these things and all things political. Yes, he talked the talk, too, with a certainty and vigor that could make others feel uncomfortable - which may be why he wanted this included in his obituary: "Any spiritual legacy of my life goes to all those I tried to reach, with a plea for forgiveness to anyone I may have offended over a long life's struggle." In retirement, with his wife Jennie, and the aid of their eldest son, a commercial pilot, he traveled to many of the great historical sites he knew so much about; including England, Scotland, France, and Gettysburg. A devoted Badger fan, Frank loved watching Wisconsin football games and attended the great Rose Bowl appearances of his alma mater. An avid outdoorsman, environmentalist, and true conservationist-it was with Frank's investment, vision and leadership, his family built a cabin in Ladysmith, using only abandoned and recycled materials. He spent many seasons hunting there with family and close friends. Frank was an early composter, one result being a beautiful flower garden at his home in the Oakwood Boulevard area. In keeping with these traditions, his wish was that his remains be donated to the University of Wisconsin Medical School, and that token ashes be placed on the family land in Rusk County as nutrients ("worm dirt") for the many trees he planted there. He will be remembered as a great teacher, father and husband, a lover of the land and literature, a man of strong opinions rooted in his respect for the common man. Franklin's family wants to thank the extraordinary staff at Mountain Terrace and Aspirus Hospice Care who provided loving care and support. A memorial service & remembrance is planned for Sunday, November 12th, 9:30 AM to 11:30, followed by "Frank Stories" 11:30-1:00, at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue in Wausau. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Frank's life. In lieu of flowers or other memorials, donations to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services or the Never Forgotten Honor Flight hub are suggested.