Henry Schumer

Grand Rapids, MN

May 1950 - April 21, 2021

"Thanks to all my friends and supporters and to those that weren't, see you on the other side." Henry

Henry passed away peacefully and surrounded by his children, at the hospital ICU from throat and head cancer on April 21st 2021. Henry is sadly missed by those closest to him, his children: JoyGenea & Thomas Schumer Furnstahl of Sartell, MN; Nicholas Schumer of Scottdale, PA; Nathaniel Schumer of MPLS, MN:  and grandchildren: Adelaide Schumer, Colin Schumer and Siblings: Michael & (Karen) Schumer of Solvang, CA; Victor-deceased & (Tanya) Schumer of Mobile, AL; he will be forever remembered by his many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Born in 1950 in Bird Island, MN to John and Cecilia (Schmoll) Schumer, Henry grew-up on a farm and spent his entire life loving to grow things, wild rice being his main growing vocation. He attended St. Mary's Catholic School and graduated in 1968.  He married and then honorably served his country during the Vietnam War in the US Army 101st Airborne Division for two years. Henry Graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.S. in Agronomy and was a member of Gamma Sigma Delta fraternity. He was hired by the University of Minnesota Wild Rice Research Department and moved to northern Minnesota to enjoy the outdoors and raise his family as it grew to three children, JoyGenea, Nicholas and Nathaniel.  In his free time he enjoyed tinkering with things, fishing, and watching TV, especially watching John Wayne movies. He loved a good practical joke and had a great laugh. You couldn't help but join him in the laughing. Henry volunteered in a variety of community organizations, particularly for US Service Veterans, and was outspoken about the effects of PTSD on soldiers. He was a founding member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 352 and a member of the Knights of Columbus. In the 2000's Henry divorced and embraced his new bachelor life and enjoyed being a grandfather.  After 42 years of working for the U of M he retired.  Henry was loyal, passionate, strong willed, responsible, loving, supportive, and a kind and private person. His family and work gave him the greatest happiness in life.

Friends are invited to share their memories of Henry with his family during visitation at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1315 SW 21st St, Grand Rapids, MN, on Monday, July 12, from 10:30-11:00 am. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 to 12:00 with a lunch to follow.  Interment will be on July 13th at 11:00am at Camp Ripley Cemetery 15550 MN-115, Little Falls, MN 56345.

While Henry loved flowers, he was not a big fan of them at funerals knowing they would just go to waste. So, the family is asking instead that you please bake up a nice Wild Rice Hotdish for your friends and family tonight in honor of him and enjoy a nice meal with the people you love.

https://www.recipetips.com/recipe-cards/t--92249/ground-beef-wild-rice-casserole.asp

Condolences, supportive notes, stories and photos can be sent to: Schumer, 56 33rd Ave S #264 , Saint Cloud, MN 56301.

Memorial photo collection can be viewed here: https://swipe.to/4751kr