William C. Schumacher, Sr.

Schumacher Sr., William C. – “Bill”, age 84, of Alto, Michigan passed away Thursday, April 6, 2023. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Lynn S. Schumacher; sister-in-law, Gail Herbruck and his parents, Carl and Grace Schumacher. Bill is lovingly remembered by his children, Sue and Tim Heffner, Bill, Jr. and his friend, Jocelyn Bryant, and Jeff Schumacher; his grandchildren, Keagan and Ethan Bonzelaar and Brody Heffner along with his brother-in-law, Terry Herbruck; niece, Amy Herbruck and her husband, Mike Schoenborn. In addition, very special friends, Pete and Sue Siler who “looked” out for Dad and his big white house on the hill. . . . .

Bill enjoyed a multitude of hobbies over the years, fly tying, horses, woodworking, goofy instruments, designing and sewing kites and flying them all over our great Nation. But, the thing that brought him the most joy over the past few years was riding his recumbent bike with his son, Bill Jr., lap after lap around Cascade Park, the wind in his face and the freedom of control where he was going. . . made him so very happy!

Bill spent his professional career as a Professor of Anatomy at Grand Rapids Junior College/Grand Rapids Community College for 36 years. Bill’s other job was working in partnership with his wife Lynn to start the Kent Special Riding Program a therapeutic horseback riding program for the benefit of their son, Jeff who has special needs. For 42 years the Schumacher Family Farm hosted KSRP and served 1000s of special needs adults and children in West Michigan.

 Private family services will be held at a later date.

“Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” To cherish Bill’s memory, take up a hobby, fly a kite, watch your children or grandchildren’s ball game or simply call an old friend for ice cream. . . . .