Bill Schumacher, born May 2, 1926, passed away peacefully in Elmhurst on Jan. 15, 2022, at the age of 95.
Among the last of his generation, Bill lived a remarkable life characterized by service, accomplishment and faith. He was the beloved husband of Elizabeth Horn Schumacher, father of William C. Schumacher III, Margaret S. (Alan) Rehwinkel and Barbara S. (Robert) Hagenberg, grandfather of Robert John (Toby) Hagenberg III, Andrew S. Rehwinkel and Thomas C. (Heather) Hagenberg, and great-grandfather of Adeline, Afton, Charlie and Robbie.
The son of William and Eta Mae Schumacher, Bill was born in New Orleans and in many respects embodied the German ancestry of his father and Southern traditions of his mother. He was older brother to “R.E.” and often fondly remembered their summers together as youngsters at the family farm in southern Georgia. In 1944 at the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as an electronics technician during World War II. He resumed studies at Northwestern University following naval service, graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering from the School of Engineering in 1950. Soon afterwards, he met the love of his life and was married to Betsy for nearly 70 years. He greatly enjoyed activities with his children and grandsons whether fishing, boating or traveling.
He had an illustrious career at International Harvester Company for more than 30 years, starting as foreman with progressive levels of management responsibility to manufacturing director at the Tractor Works facility and then as an executive in the global purchasing unit. Subsequently, he was a sales associate in residential real estate for several decades. He was also active in the community. A founding member of Elmhurst Presbyterian Church, trustee of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ and president of the board of directors of the Adult Christian Care facility at Epiphany Lutheran Church.
With the attention to detail of an engineer, the character of a moral person and the perspective of a family patriarch, he was a decent, kind and honorable man, always thankful for “these and all Thy many blessings.”
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, Feb. 18 at 10 a.m. at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, 125 W. Church Street, Elmhurst. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Peter’s United Church of Christ or Northwestern University/McCormick School of Engineering – www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/giving, under designations, click “other” and write in “William C. Schumacher, Jr. ’50 Fund.” – would be appreciated. Arrangements provided by Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – The Ahlgrim Chapel. Info: 630-834-3515 or www.elmhurstfh.com.
