Herman Schumacher

Herman H. Schumacher, age 91, passed away on Thursday, December 18th in Columbus, NE. He was born on January 18th,1934 on the family farm south of Platte Center. He was the 6th of seven children to William “Bill” and Adelaide “Lollie” (Jaixen) Schumacher.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 am Monday, December 29 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Platte Center. Visitation is on Sunday from 5-7 pm at St. Joseph Church with a Vigil service to follow at 7:00 pm, also at the church. Interment is in St. Patrick/Joseph Cemetery.

He attended school in Platte Center and graduated in 1951. He enlisted and became a Specialist 3rd Class in the Army and served from 1954-1956 as a Radar Operator in Germany. After discharge from the Army, he returned home and took over the family farm which was originally started by his Grandfather, Mathias Schumacher in the 1880’s.

Herman married Elizabeth “Betty” Sleddens on September 22, 1959, at St. Bonaventure’s Catholic Church in Columbus, NE. To this union 5 children were born.

Herman served his community through various organizations including the District 24 school board, member of the American Legion Post 283, and was an usher and money counter for St. Josephs Catholic Church in Platte Center.

Herman was a farmer through and through. He prided himself with a field with straight rows and no weeds, often stopping as he drove by to go pull a lone weed that he missed. He enjoyed a well-manicured lawn, game shows, and Pepsi. He also was an avid fan of Notre Dame football, Boston Red Sox baseball and Husker Volleyball.

Family would like to thank Prairie Village Assisted Living for taking care of dad for the past 3 years and making it feel like home. Also, thanks to Jessica his hospice nurse, and to Melvin and Karen Miksch and their family for looking after mom & dad for many years after their retirement as they continued living on the farm.

Herman is survived by his five children:

-Denise Dierks, Pacific Junction, IA

-Joan (Byron) Bakenhus, Lincoln, NE

-Paul (Sally) Schumacher, Omaha, NE

-Kent (Cecelia) Schumacher, Allen, TX

-Stacia (Cary) Lyons, Platte City, MO

Twelve grandchildren:

-Ryan Dierks, Tuscaloosa, AL

-Caitlyn Dierks, Black River Falls, WI

-Melinda (AJ) Pomajzl, Lincoln, NE

-Drew (Becky) Bakenhus, Lenexa, KS

-Nicole Bakenhus, Frisco, TX

-Brandon Bakenhus, Dallas, TX

-Meghan Schumacher, Omaha, NE

-Leo Schumacher, Lincoln, NE

-Amanda (James) Newton, Providence Village, TX

-Sara Schumacher, Plano, TX

-Jacob (Rachel) Lyons, St. Charles, MO

-Matthew Lyons, Pleasanton, CA

Five great-grandchildren:

-Ellie, Peyton, Crew, and Berkley Pomajzl

-Russell Bakenhus

Proceeded in death by wife Betty (February 2022). Parents: William & Adelaide; Sisters: Margaret Fischer, Helen Schnitzler, Ruth Bender, Adeline Lisko, & Joann Iwan; Brother: Lawrence Schumacher.