Charles Emerson Schumacher

Charlie graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati in 1943, and earned his master’s degree from the University of Akron in 1951.

Raised in the Mennonite Church, Charlie was a conscientious objector during WWII and chose to serve his country as a smokejumper with the U.S. Forest Service out of Missoula, MT; and at a CPS (Civilian Public Service) Camp in Gulfport, MS. After the war, Charlie volunteered to assist in relief efforts, delivering horses via a cattle boat to Poland. As a young man he was not afraid of taking risks and had many adventures before he settled down.

Charlie married Mary Margaret Koontz on January 28, 1950 in Akron, OH. In 1956 he moved his young family to San Francisco, CA where he worked for 35 years as a project engineer/manager on chemical and refinery projects for the Bechtel Corp. This included several long stints in Sweden, Australia, London (England), Saudi Arabia, and in Qatar. In 1960, Charlie and Mary built the family home in Alamo CA, where they raised their five children and lived until Charlie retired. In 1988, they built their “dream home” in Snohomish, WA in order to be closer to their grandchildren. “Grandpa Charlie” was never one to spend time watching TV, always preferring to be outdoors where he could make things bloom and grow. He was often accompanied by his young grandchildren and the many family dogs. Charlie was a kind, gentle and loving man who enjoyed life, travel, nature, gardening and more than anything, his family.

Charlie is survived by his children: David Schumacher; Sara Schneider (Edward Boyer); Chris Schumacher (Genevieve); Fred Schumacher (Linda) and Anne Strein (Tim). He is also survived by his eight grandchildren: Katie, Adam, Maggie, Rachael, Emma, Ben, Taylor and Mary. He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Mary; his brothers: Paul, Edward and Raymond Schumacher, and his sister Dorothy Schumacher.

The Inurnment will be on March 30, 2012 at 10:00am, Floral Hills Cemetery, 409 Filbert Rd, Lynnwood, WA, 98036.