Donald Schumacher
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Donald Schumacher – a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many – on August 7, 2025, at the age of 88.
Don was the devoted husband of Karen whom he married in Des Moines. They shared sixty plus years of love, laughter, and unwavering partnership. Together, they created a family home in Gurnee, Illinois. It became a place of warmth, comfort, and joy, where family and friends were always welcome and many memories made.
Born on August 20, 1936 in Waterloo, IA to Arnold & Mildred Schumacher. He was raised on the Schumacher family farm in Iowa along with his twin sister, Dona, and brother, Daryl. Don developed a strong work ethic early in life and honed many skills that he would use and share throughout his lifetime. He graduated from Iowa State University & the University of Wisconsin Whitewater MBA. He served in the U.S. Army before beginning a successful career in computer technology, ultimately finding his professional home in IT at Abbott Laboratories in Abbott Park, Il where he retired after 33 years.
Don was the proud father of Mechelle and Crystal who carry forward his strength, kindness, and unwavering integrity. He led by example – always willing to help, putting others first, and facing life’s challenges with courage and grace – a quality that both Crystal and Mechelle will continue to live by because of his positive influence and role model in their lives.
To his grandchildren, Callum and Chelsea, he was their “Papa” – a role he embraced with pride and joy.
Though a private man by nature, Don’s life can be defined in part by his kindness, generosity, quiet strength, deep wisdom, and an unwavering moral compass.
Don is survived by his wife, Karen, 2 daughters, Mechelle (Lewis) Simons of Newbury Park, CA, Crystal of Lake Villa, IL, 2 grandchildren: Callum and Chelsea Simons, a brother, Daryl, of Denver, a brother-in-law, Dan Buhr, of Waterloo, one niece and two nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a twin sister, Dona.
Interment will be at a later date at Fairview Cemetery in Denver.
Graveside services for Donald E. Schumacher of Gurnee, IL and formerly Denver, IA will be held Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the Fairview Cemetery in Denver. Don died in August of 2025 in Illinois.
Don is survived by his wife, two daughters, 2 grandchildren, a brother, a brother-in-law, a niece, and two nephews.