John C. Schumacher

John C. Schumacher was born October 5, 1924 in Independence, MN to the late Conrad P. & Mabel C. ‘Russell’ Schumacher. He grew up near Loretto, MN helping on the family farm and attending school. In 1939, the family moved to Pierz, MN. John graduated from Little Falls High School in 1942 and then attended St. Cloud State College. John entered the U.S. Army Air Corp on July 10, 1943. He was assigned to be a Gunner/Engineer on a B-24 airplane with the 451st Bomb Group, 727th Bombardment Squadron. After the crew was trained in the States, they flew their B-24 to Italy, arriving on August 15, 1944. On Friday, October 13, 1944 while on their 13th mission, the B-24 was shot down over Austria and the crew captured. John was a POW incarcerated at Stagag Luft IV until liberated on May 1, 1945. He returned to the States and spent many months recuperating from malnourishment. John was honorably discharge on February 9, 1946 as a S/Sgt and awarded many commendations, including a Purple Heart. He attended the University of Minnesota in Duluth until returning to Little Falls. John was united in marriage to Joan J. Jarvis on September 3, 1949 at St. Xavier Catholic Church in Little Falls. He was employed at Camp Ripley working as the Area Supply officer. After 37 years at Camp Ripley, he retired in 1983. . He enjoyed golfing, fishing and hunting. John was also very active in his church and community. He served as Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 88, served on the board of trustees for St. Mary’s Church and Mary of Lourdes Elementary School, which he chaired while the new wing was built. John was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Little Falls VFW, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Little Falls Knights of Columbus and American Ex-POW’s. John’s great love and devotion was to his children, grandchildren and family. John C. Schumacher is survived by his: Sons: Russell (Yvonne) Schumacher of Duluth, MN Kevin (Deborah) Schumacher of Sauk Centre, MN Daughter: Jane (Charles) Hauer of Little Falls, MN Grandchildren: Noel & Michael Schumacher; Luke & Anna Schumacher and Beth & Maria Hauer Brothers: Charles A. (Lori) Schumacher of Perham, MN Robert S. Schumacher of Little Falls, MN Thomas D. Schumacher of Little Falls, MN Sister: Odelia ‘Irene’ Jackson of Adair, OK John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joan on April 8, 2006; parents and sisters, Mary Schumacher and Frances Hoffman.

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John C. Schumacher

October 5, 1924 - June 3, 2009