Joseph J. Schumacher

Joseph "Joe" Schumacher, aka Grandpa Schu, was born on January 29, 1922, in St. Marys, IA. Joe went to the "Father" on February 2, 2011, after an extended illness. He moved to Wenatchee in 1949, where he was employed at Snitley Bros. Construction and later with Vandivort Construction for 17 years, until his retirement. Joe married Melba Noto on December 26, 1955, and they resided in Wenatchee. He was a devout member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. He was a member of the Wenatchee Chapter of the Knights of Columbus. He served in many capacities with that organization for 63 years. He volunteered with the Knights, from helping at Special Olympics to yard sales, to being the Guru of membership drives. Joe was also a dedicated worker for KC Help. Schu was a huge supporter of Spurs and Spokes 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program. He built their original ramps 23 years ago, and was always available to help when they called. He was also a well-known supporter of the Chelan County 4-H Program. Joe served in the U.S. Army in WWII and always flew his flag with pride. He was also a member of the American Legion. He was a longtime orchardist in the Wenatchee Valley. He always said he could grow cherries the size of golf balls. He was an active member of the Retired Laborers' Local #292 and was a Past President and lifetime member of Appleatchee Riders. Joe is survived by his wife, Melba; three children, Jeannie Thompson of Spokane, Richard Noto of Centralia and Kathy Gates of Wenatchee; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; five brothers, LeRoy Schumacher of Knoxville, IA, Tom Schumacher of Indianola, IA, Carl Schumacher of Plant City, FL, Larry Schumacher of Des Moines, IA and Paul Schumacher of Oskaloosa, IA; and two sisters, Ruth Wood of New Virginia, IA and Alice Faucett of Knoxville, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers. A Rosary and Visitation will be held Sunday, February 6, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. at Telford's Chapel of the Valley. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, February 7, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Wenatchee. Concluding Services and Interment will follow at Wenatchee City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to K.C. Help or Spurs and Spokes 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program. Arrangements are by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.