Steven Dean Schumacher (June 23, 1950 - March 26, 2024)

Steven Dean Schumacher went to be with his Lord on March 26, 2024, at the age of 73. Services were held at Malta Lutheran Church on Monday, April 1, 2024.

Steve was born on June 23, 1950, in Minot, ND, to Francis (Frank) and Adeline (Muske) Schumacher. The family later moved to Tacoma, WA, and then to Kalispell, MT, where he attended all 12 years of school and graduated in 1968 from Flathead High School. Growing up Steve was interested in all things science, taking pictures and developing them in their basement dark room. He enjoyed civil air patrol and scouting. He attended Montana State University earning a bachelor's degree in physics and math, with a teaching minor in 1972. He was also in the ROTC program at MSU. He met Carol Christiansen while at MSU. They were married on August 8, 1971, in Nashua, MT.

He began his military career as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1972 which took him to Fort Gordon in Augusta, GA, and then to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL, where he was assigned to missile supply. While in the military he became interested in caving. He and Carol spent many weekends caving with the local group. After he transitioned from active duty to the reserves in 1974, he moved to Hingham, MT, to teach math and science. While they were there they were blessed with the birth of their sons, Erik Jon in 1975 and Joel Brent in 1978. In 1978, the family moved to Malta where Steve taught at Malta High School for 36 years. He particularly enjoyed teaching physics and model rocketry. He earned his master's degree in education by attending summer school for several years. He spent many years being involved with his sons' activities, working with Boy Scouts, and earning the Silver Beaver Award. He was always an active member of the Malta Lutheran Church and chose to increase his involvement by becoming a Lay Pastor Associate. He later became an active member and President of the Council on Aging.

As a family, they enjoyed camping and hiking. In retirement, they traded their tent for a small motorhome and took many road trips including regular visits to Fort Peck Reservoir. They also enjoyed bus tours of different parts of the country. A highlight of their travels was a trip to Israel, it was so meaningful to them.

Steve is preceded in death by his parents Francis and Adeline Schumacher, his brothers-in-law John Ramsey, Vern Leivestad and Bert Keough, two great nephews Hank Tessier and Archer Tvedt, and niece Penny Yeoman.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years Carol, sons Erik (Megan) and Joel (Tara), and grandchildren Tori Nicole, Max Francis and Madison Ann. Siblings Susan Ramsey, Randy (Becky) Schumacher, and Sandi (Tim) Shawhan and nine nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to the Boy Scouts or Malta Lutheran Church.