Eugene J. "Gene" Schumacher, Little Chute, age 87, died Thursday, January 4, 2018 at Rennes Health Center. He was born on the family farm in present-day Little Chute on June 21, 1930, the ninth child of John and Hattie (Williamsen) Schumacher. He graduated from St. John High School in 1948 while also enjoying football and baseball games with his family and friends and participating in 4H. Eugene married Eleanor Heinrichs, the love of his life, on September 14, 1955 at St. Joseph Church in Appleton. She preceded him in death on October 8, 2015, after 60 years of marriage. He worked at Hietpas Dairy before working at Foremost Foods in Appleton until his retirement in 1993. Whether it was hunting, camping or gathering hickory nuts, Eugene enjoyed being outdoors. He cherished time spent with his family and credited camping as a great bonding adventure for his family.

Eugene is survived by his children: Cathy Briese, Dan (Sharon), Phil (Diane), Fran (Kelly Mc Mahon) and Tim (Kelly) Schumacher; son-in-law: Vern Ehlke; grandchildren: Nick (Nicole), Joe (Carrie) and Tom (fiancée Erica Levine) Briese, Angie (Mat) Nolan, Aaron (Erica Blom), Joanna, Bethany, Rachel, Emma, Katya, Noelle and Tonia Schumacher; Cortney (Elliot) Asher; Josh, Jake, Caitlin, Calissa, Sam and Lexi Schumacher, Mark, Laura and Mike Ehlke; great grandchildren: Claire and Ella Briese and Jude and Lana Asher; brothers: Marvin (Leona), John (Katie), Jim (Donna) Schumacher; sisters-in-law: Florus, Marion and Germaine Schumacher and Barbara (Peter) Geiger; brother-in-law: John (Lauris Wagner) Heinrichs. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, and wife Eleanor, Eugene was preceded in death by his daughter, Joyce Ehlke; granddaughter, Maria Schumacher; brothers: Peter (Betty), Raymond, Clarence (Theresa), Harold, Joe (Mary) and Maurice Schumacher; sisters: Millie (Bob) Huss and Rita (Ken) Hoffman; and sisters-in-law: Mary Ann Sanders and Erna Heinrichs.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (323 Pine St. Little Chute) beginning at 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. The Rev. Ronald Belitz will officiate. Committal St. John Cemetery. To sign the guest book, please visit oconnellfh.com.

Eugene's family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Rennes Health Center and The Renaissance Assisted Living for their kind care.