DECEMBER 2020

Obituary of MSHSCA Executive Director John Schumacher

John was born on March 14, 1960 to John & Mary (Merrick) Schumacher in Minneapolis, MN. He attended Forest Lake High School and graduated in 1978. He pursued his life’s calling of being an educator and coach at Bemidji State University, earning his Physical Education and Health degree while also playing Football and Basketball for the Beavers. John met his biggest cheerleader and love of his life, Bernie (De La Hunt) Schumacher while attending college. They were united in marriage on August 20, 1983 in Nevis, MN. John & Bernie moved to Sleepy Eye, MN where he was a Physical Education Teacher and Head Football Coach at Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s. Their family grew in April of 1985 when their daughter Tavia was born. The growing family moved to Park Rapids, MN in 1987 where John became the Aquatics Director and Physical Education Teacher at Park Rapids High School. The Schumacher family was complete in December of 1987 with the birth of Nicole (Nikki). John continued his education and received his Master’s degree and Administrative degree. He then was hired as the Activities Director/Dean of Students at Park Rapids in 2004. He eventually became the Assistant Principal/Activities Director until his retirement in October 2018. Even in his retirement, John’s voice could be heard loudly, as he cheered on his Panthers. He truly bled Orange and Black. John had busy summers, but he never missed his stage security job for the Moondance music festivals. A job he didn’t consider work, but a place where people became family. He was also involved in many organizations throughout the community of Park Rapids. He was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Sons of the American Legion, Becker County Dive & Rescue, and the Hubbard County First Responders.

John’s passion was coaching and he loved being in the gym, on the field, or at the track. He was involved in many organizations that encompassed supporting high school athletics throughout his life. He became the Executive Director of the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association in January 2018 and held this position until his passing. He was also a part of the MSHSL, MnIAAA, NOCAD, and NHSACA organizations. It was the love and support that he received from these organizations, the community, school staff, administrators, along with students and athletes that gave him a purpose and reason to fight!

John’s greatest joy in life was his family! His wife of 37 years, Bernie, was his biggest supporter and caregiver throughout his life. They were each others’ soulmates, as they fulfilled their vows, through sickness and health, in good and bad. He was the proudest father watching his daughters follow in his footsteps, as teachers and coaches. Beaming with pride when he watched them coach and when hearing about their impact VIEW FROM SCHU as teachers. His pride was his five grandbabies, enjoying every moment he had with them. We will always treasure our walks to get the mail, days on the lake, ranger rides and snuggles in his recliner. We will smile while reminiscing about all these special memories that we were blessed to have with him.

Even in the hardest days during his battle with cancer, John never let it beat down his positive attitude. May we all strive to find the joys in life and remember to keep “Livin’ the Dream.”

He is survived by his wife, Bernie (De La Hunt) of Park Rapids, MN; his daughters: Tavia (Andrew) Bachmann of Frazee, MN; Nikki (Kiel) Fechtelkotter of Klamath Falls, OR; Grandchildren: Noah, Ashton & Jayden Bachmann, Avery & Ellie Fechtelkotter; his mother: Mary Schumacher of Forest Lake, MN; his sisters: Meg (Jim) Jensen of Forest Lake, MN; Ann (Scott) Leverington of Roseau, MN; Amy Schumacher of Forest Lake, MN; his father & mother-in-law: Ed & Carol De La Hunt of Park Rapids, MN; his brother & sister-in-laws: Cindy (Rick) Jacobson of Gainesville, VA; Julie (Brad) Wilson of Moorhead, MN; Gene (Jim) Kanten, Edward “Butch” (Tammy) De La Hunt, David (Jolene) De La Hunt all of Park Rapids, MN; Matt De La Hunt of Arnold, MO; and Richard “Dick” De La Hunt of Bemidji, MN; along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts & uncles.

He is preceded in death by his father, John Schumacher, Sr; Infant sisters: Mary Schumacher & Mary Elizabeth Schumacher; his paternal and maternal grandparents and his Uncle Ken Jansen.

A public viewing was held on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 from 4:00-8:00 PM at Cease Family Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN with strict COVID social distancing protocol.

A private family Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday the 21st at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Park Rapids, MN.

Friends and community members were invited to participate as spectators, lining the streets, as the funeral procession traveled past the Century School and the Park Rapids Area High School. John traveled one last time by the school which was so important to him during his life, before being laid to rest in a private family burial ceremony at the St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Park Rapids, MN.

In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a John Schumacher “Livin’ the Dream” Memorial Scholarship Fund. Donation checks can be made out and mailed to Bernie Schumacher or if you want a tax deductible donation, write checks to: Park Rapids School and on the memo line indicate Schumacher Scholarship.

The funeral was streamed live to those unable to attend due to Covid restrictions. The funeral service has recently been removed, but the photo slide show is available online on the funeral website or on youtube when you type in John Schumacher Funeral.

The family is hoping to have a public Celebration of Life this summer to honor John and celebrate his legacy.

Arrangements were being handled by the Cease Family Funeral Home of Park Rapids. Friends may leave online condolences at ceasefuneralhome.com

Schu was planning to write one more View from Schu for this December publication. I know he would want you to know these things: We would personally like to say thank you to everyone for all your love, support and prayers over the years and especially the past 23 months. The membership of the MSHSCA is a class act of people who always made us feel welcomed at your clinics and meetings. Though our reign as Executive Director and Assistant was a short 3 years, we enjoyed working with you and feel we were able to accomplish many great things in support and protection of our coaches. The relationships we built are treasured. We were so lucky to have amazing board(s) to work with over the years and especially this past year as they had to go above and beyond their normal roles in support of us and also dealing with the challenges of Covid. Congratulations to Rick and Joyce Ringeisen who will take the reins as your new Executive Director and Assistant to the Director. We have all the confidence that they will do an amazing job representing you and will be your voice. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve the members of the MSHSCA. -Schu & Bernie

People ask how I am doing….I am doing ok. I have my days and moments but I am so grateful as we were blessed with the gift of time. And with Covid isolating us, we had incredible quality time together. We laughed, cried, talked, made memories, watched sunrises and sunsets, enjoyed family/friends, traveled and met our two new beautiful grandbabies. My heart is full! I leave you with these parting words: love harder, hug longer, make amends and live everyday as if it were your last. As Schu would say, we were “Livin the Dream” and that we did together right to the very end. -Bernie