William Paul Schumacher

William Paul Schumacher, aged 94, of Grand Rapids, died Thursday, January 3rd, 2013 at St. Mary's Hospital. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, his smile, kindness and great sense of humor will be sorely missed. He is survived by his wife Denise; his daughters Linn ( Ken ) King, Annette ( Rick ) Kolk; his grandchildren Steve ( Annie ) King, Daniel ( Melissa ) King, Paul ( Veta ) Eaton, Alexandria Eaton; his step-grandchildren Misty ( Jeff ) Hendricks, Robyn Kolk; and his nine great grandchildren.

Born in Chicago, he made his career in IBM. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the 9th Air Force in the European Front. He returned to France in 1946 and married Denise whom he had met in Chantilly, France where he had been stationed. He came back to the U.S. in 1947 with his bride and resumed his career with IBM. He was based in Buffalo and Pittsburgh before coming to Grand Rapids in 1958.

He was a member of the D.C Gregier Masonic lodge #81 and volunteered at Gilda's Club. He was a talented woodworking craftsman making toys and furniture for the family. He loved music. For many years he was a member of the Great Lakes Chorus and the Barbershop Harmony Society. Later, in his retirement, he sang with the Northview Silvertones. His advice to everyone he met was "sing a song whenever you can".

Cremation and private family services have taken place. Memorials may be given to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation at www.macular.org/howhelp.html or to Gilda’s Club at www.gildasclubgr.org/ or to Northview Senior Citizens at [email protected] .