Charles Schumacher

Charles O. Schumacher, 79, of Minot, N.D., died Oct. 25, 2005 in his home.

Charles was born on Jan. 22, 1926, the son of Fred C. and Isabelle (Wilson) Schumacher, in Williston, N.D. He was reared and educated in the Williston area, graduating from Williston High School in 1944.

On Jan. 21, 1944, Charles enlisted in the Navy. He served on the USS Newberry as a signal man, serving in the Southern Pacific theater, touring the Philippines, Guadalcanal and Kayman Islands. He was honorably discharged on May 9, 1946.

Charles was united in marriage to Leona Ackerman on July 26, 1950, in Kenmare, N.D.

He worked on the Great Northern Railroad as a carman in Williston from 1950-1956. They moved to Minot in 1957, where they lived until 1973, when they moved to Whitefish, where he was a foreman on Burlington Northern Railroad. In 1984, he returned to Minot. Leona passed away on April 9, 1992. Charles continued to live in Minot.

He was a member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Veterans of Foreign Wars Club, and Moose Lodge, all of Minot. He was a 60-year member of the American Legion and was active at the time of his death.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brothers Samuel, James, George, Duane and Frederick.

He is survived by son Michael Schumacher and his significant other, Jeani Irmen, of Minot; daughters Paulette Nelson and husband Gene, of Minot, Mary Dodge and husband Greg, of Minot, Susan Shoff and Mary Esther, of Florida.; six grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Mass of Christian burial took place Oct. 29, 2005, at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, in Minot. Burial at St. Agnes Catholic Cemetery, in Kenmare, N.D., followed.