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Max Schumacher, born December 16, 1926, in Grenora, North Dakota, was the youngest of Alfred and Elsie (Dalton) Schumacher’s five children. Ten years later, the Schumacher family moved to Bismarck. After graduating Bismarck High School, Dad enlisted in the Navy in 1944, ultimately serving on the minesweeper USS YMS 10, Subic Bay, the Philippines. 

After his Navy service, Dad enrolled at Montana State University and later finished his business degree at Kansas State University. After graduating, he returned to Bismarck and worked for the US Postal Service. His delivery route took him to the Capitol Building where he became acquainted with a pretty, strawberry blonde who was working in the Governor’s office. Her name was Florence Ulledahl. They wed in 1954. 

The newlyweds moved to Kansas City when Dad took employment with Traveler’s Insurance. Four years and three daughters later, he was transferred to Sioux City, Iowa.  Three years and another daughter and son later, he was transferred to Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  And finally, seven years and two more sons later, the Schumacher family arrived in Great Falls.

After twenty years with Traveler’s, he went to work with Buttrey’s and simultaneously landed his “dream job” with Sheffel’s Farm, helping with the annual harvest for the next forty years.

Dad enjoyed all the benefits of life in Montana—the scenery, the wildlife and the weather. Along with his sons and friends, he built a cabin near Wolf Creek, Montana. Family and friends spent many happy days there through all seasons. Dad fed the hummingbirds, was thrilled when an occasional bear wandered through, mastered the art of cooking on the antique Monarch stove and made batches of popcorn balls.

Max is survived by his wife of 63 years, Florence, and daughters, Sarah, Sandy (Doug) and Kelly of Great Falls, and sons, Jim [Julie] of Belgrade, Steve [Renae] of Big Sky, and Joe [Erin] of Anchorage. He also has seven grandchildren: Griffin, Ethan, Max, Jack, Nolan, Ash Lee, and Sadie.

Max was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Charles and Peter; sisters, Marion and Jean, and by his infant daughter, Kerry.

The Schumacher family would like to thank Ron Dooley for his friendship. Thanks also to the staff at the Great Falls Clinic Hospital for their care and compassion, the staff at Lincare, Anderson’s Pharmacy and Prairie Mountain Bank who befriended Max as he made his bill paying rounds each month. Additionally, we thank all of the friends along his morning “exercise drive” route—including Schulte’s Coffee House and 10th Ave. Albertson’s.

Memorial Service to be held at Croxford’s, Friday at 1:00 followed by a reception at the History Museum, 422 2 St. South. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind Foundation, PO Box 6576, Great Falls, 59403.

Max will be laid to rest alongside his parents and daughter Kerry at the Fairview Cemetery in Bismarck, North Dakota.

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