Veteran | United States Navy
Dr. William H. "Bill" Schumacher was born on September 30th, 1932, in Huron, South Dakota to Carl and Eva Schumacher. He grew up on a farm in Doland, South Dakota. He always wanted to be a doctor it was his life's dream to help people. He worked and put himself through college and then attended medical school in Omaha, Nebraska graduating in 1958. He then joined the U.S. Navy to complete his internship traveling to Kodiak, AK and Bremerton, WA. After his Navy time was completed, he was looking for a place to set up a practice and while traveling he happened upon Shelton, WA. It was a small town in need of a physician. His inquiries all worked out and he established his practice in 1962 as a General Practitioner. He worked many long hours (he mentioned that sometimes he delivered 100 babies a year). He left his practice in 1987 to go to Bethel, Alaska, another small town in need of a physician. From there he moved to Saipan in 1991, returning to Shelton in 1994. He continued to go back to Alaska to complete school physicals for the Eskimo villages. His last place of employment was the Skokomish Health Clinic. He continued to work until he was 88 years old (remarkable in itself).
Bill was an avid outdoorsman. When he had a spare moment, a hunting or fishing trip was planned. He had many friends and family that shared this same passion, with many trips to the duck ranch in Eastern Washington. His other love was gardening. He had a very green thumb. His efforts always produced something beautiful or edible. He was a Master Gardner. He continued this until just this last summer when his body said, "no more."
Bill married Yvonne "Bonnie" Trail on November 26th, 1988. She has been his partner, support and love. She ventured to Alaska and Saipan, sleeping on the school gym floors while he did the school physicals and being far away from her family. They have gone and seen so many places together, checking off their bucket list. They are both very involved in the Shelton Presbyterian Church being one of the founders of the Shelton congregation. They have a family of friends here that they admire and love.
Bill passed away at Mason General Hospital on February 24th, 2025. He rated the staff and their caring ways five star.
He is survived by his wife Yvonne (Bonnie) Schumacher, his children Carleen (Robbie) Coker, Wayne (Jamie) Schumacher, Leslie (Paul) Hunter, Jenny (Wendell) Wrzesinski, David (Patty) Trail and Mark (Robin) Trail, also his former spouse Tuey Schumacher-Connolly.
Grandchildren: Angella Coker, Brandon Coker, Chase Hunter, Allison Hunter, Weston Wrzesinski, Sheridan Wrzesinski, Anthony Trail, Kaleigh Hill, Joshua Trail, Amber Trail, Chase Trail, Hannah McFadden and Sara McCann, many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Robert (Marian) Schumacher.
Bill was always up for a celebration and didn't miss many occasions to celebrate. There will be a celebration of life Saturday, April 12th, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Shelton Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Shelton Presbyterian Church.
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