Tom Schumaker

Tom Schumaker passed away on December 30 at the age of 63 at Tender Reflections in Manitowoc. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.  Tom had Down Syndrome, but despite this disability he had many gifts to share with those he met.  He was known by many in Two Rivers and Manitowoc as a friendly, kind and gentle person with a fun and disarming sense of humor. 

Tom was born on January 21, 1958 in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, to Dale and Mary Ellen Schumaker. He was welcomed into a family with 5 brothers and sisters.  

Tom attended Riverview School in Manitowoc until age 20 and then started employment at Holiday House where he enjoyed working with his peers for almost 40 years.

Tom was very active in Manitowoc County Miracles Special Olympics.  His favorite sport was bowling and his uncanny accuracy helped him win many awards at state finals.  He also participated in basketball, bocce ball and track.  Tommy attended many Holiday House dances and he was good at dancing the polka along with the waltz, and the hilarious “chicken dance.”

Tom’s father died when he was 9 years old, so Tom spent most of his life living with his mother and they became a twosome. They drove all over Manitowoc County together, going to polka masses, church picnics, band concerts, yard sales, bowling events, and always seemed to run into people they knew who would get a “high five” from Tom.  Tom always enjoyed getting visits from his brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces - together they would have fun playing tennis, hitting golf balls, shooting baskets, swimming, fishing, bowling and going out for lunch or to fish fries.

When Tom’s mother got older, Tom moved to Parkway Group Home in Two Rivers and later to Cappaert Group Home in Manitowoc.  The family would like to extend a special thanks to Jayne Muma for the dedication & loving care she provided Tom for many years. As Tom’s health declined, he moved to Tender Reflections in Manitowoc where he continued to receive the additional care he needed, and as things progressed he received exceptional care from Heartland Hospice.  

His family is very grateful for all the support and kindness provided to Tom over the years by a wide array of “helping angels”.  He had a very rich life thanks to all who cared for him.

It literally took a “village” to raise and care for Tom, but people always commented on how much they loved caring for or being with Tom.

Tom is survived by his brothers and sisters: Jim (Deb) Schumaker, Jack (Cheryl) Schumaker, Peggy (Doug) Kiel and Betty (Greg) Brault.  Tom was preceded in death by his parents Dale and Mary Ellen (MacDonald) Schumaker and his sister Ellen (Steve) Broeckert.  

Tom will be missed by many, including his extended family and friends, and his many caregivers. Tom was a great joy and teacher to all of us, and taught us to live in the moment and to appreciate the simple things in life. Tom helped each of us to be a more accepting, more patient and more loving person. He helped to make the world a gentler and kinder place.

Klein and Stangel Funeral Home in Two Rivers is assisting the family with their planning.  

Due to Covid concerns, a private funeral is being planned at this time with only the immediate family.  A larger gathering in Tom’s memory will be planned in the future.   Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com.

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