Obituary of Vernon A. Schumacher

Vernon A. Schumacher, 88, peacefully entered the gates of heaven on March 8, 2013 at Alden Estates of Jefferson. Mabel, his beloved wife of 28 years, was at his side. Vern was born in July, 1924 in Milwaukee, the son of John and Rose Schumacher. He graduated from Milwaukee Boys� Technical School in 1942. He developed a deep interest in social studies and attending college when he was selected to attend Badger Boys State at Ripon College. Vern entered the United States Air Force upon graduation and served his country from 1943 to 1946 during WW II. After his discharge, Vern attended Milwaukee State Teachers College and earned his bachelor�s degree in Elementary Education. He taught in Milwaukee Public Schools while earning his master�s degree from Marquette University. While teaching in MPS, Vern participated in a number of innovative projects. He taught special summer reading classes for students needing extra help, worked on curriculum, and participated in a televised teaching demonstration program. In 1954, Vern was selected by MPS to study under Dr. Bruno Bettelheim to learn the psychological principles and teaching techniques for emotionally disturbed children. Upon returning to MPS, Vern taught the first class for the emotionally disturbed in the state of Wisconsin. Vern earned his Ph.D. in Education from the University of Iowa. In 1963, he began work at Wisconsin State Teachers College-Whitewater as Assistant Dean of Education and Certification Officer. He continued to teach a variety of elementary education methods courses in UW-Whitewater until his retirement in December, 1990. Vern met Mabel Smith in 1963 when she was assigned to his office as a student assistant. He lost his first wife, Janette, to cancer in 1972 and eventually married Mabel in 1984. They enjoyed 28 wonderful years of marriage�traveling, taking part in professional and community organizations, volunteering , and doing extensive therapy work with their Sheltie, Tammy. Vern is survived by his wife, a brother Roger (Nancy) in Menomonee Falls, nieces (Kim, Julie, and Teri), a nephew (Tom), and grandnieces and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife, Janette. A celebration of Vern�s life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2013, at the Nitardy Funeral Home in Fort Atkinson. Pastor Brian Engfer of Trinity Lutheran Church, Fort Atkinson, will preside over the service. After the service, there will be a time for friends to visit and remember Vern�s life. Friends may call at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. A private burial will take place at Wisconsin Memorial Park, Milwaukee, following the service. The Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family. A special thank you to the staff (current and past) of Alden Estates of Jefferson for their wonderful care and support of Vern. No one could ask for better care for a loved one and family. Also, heart-felt thanks to the staff of Rainbow Hospice for their compassion and gentle guidance during a difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rainbow Hospice or Alden Estates of Jefferson.