Leslie M. Schumacher

Leslie Murrill Schumacher was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on June 15, 1923 to Lela (Ziebarth) Schumacher and Jacob S. “Jack” Schumacher. The family later moved to Jackson Hole, Montana and, finally, settled in Portland, Oregon in 1935.

At the age of 14 Leslie was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Portland, Oregon. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1942, was inducted into the Army on January 18, 1943 to serve in World War II. He was honorably discharged on February 28, 1946. During his service, he was an airplane and engine mechanic, and was awarded The Good Conduct Medal, The American Theater Service Medal, and The Victory Medal.

After serving his country, Leslie returned to Portland and began working in the automotive industry. He was a highly respected mechanic with the talent and knowledge to repair any type of engine or motor vehicle. After leaving the automotive industry, he worked for several other companies who were always aware of and appreciated that they had hired the best mechanic in the area.

Leslie has been a member at Trinity Lutheran Church since 1959. He was entirely devoted to Trinity Church and Trinity School. After his retirement, he freely volunteered his time and talents whenever needed. One of his joys was making the beautiful hand-turned offering plates used at Trinity. His talents were also evident in the many things he helped to repair, refurbish and renew. More than once he was called early in the morning to give the furnace a kick. He was ready at a moments notice to jump in his truck and drive over to the school.

This beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather is survived by his wife, Jeanette, sharing 54 years of marriage together; his daughter, Eva Tendollen and son, Brad Schumacher. He survived his first-born son, Wayne L. Schumacher, who preceded him in death on April 13, 2010.

In addition, he has five grand-children Amy, Ann, James, Megan and Melissa, five great grand-children; Dylan, McKenzie, Kayleigh, Kennedy and Kayla; two Aunts, Elda Klippel and Anita Dinsmore; his Sister-In-Law, Dolores Kirkland, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Leslie gave of his talents, abilities and experience without ever asking anything in return. His love for life was evident in everything that he did. He cherished his wife and children. He marveled at his grand-children and great-grandchildren. He instilled in his family the value of repairing something rather than replacing it. Renewing and reusing, he was “going green” long before it became vogue. He loved doing anything with his hands. Woodworking was his first love but he also enjoyed working in his yard and garden, working on jigsaw puzzles, reading a good mystery novel and playing a rousing game of pinochle.

He loved traveling, spending time at the coast, and taking long walks with Mom on the beach to hunt for rocks and shells. He felt a renewed energy there and a little closer to God.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2011 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Portland. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 12 from 1pm to 5pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church and School, 5520 NE Killingsworth Street, Portland, OR 97218.

He gently left his footprint on this earth and quietly made it a better place.

Arrangements under the direction of Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, Portland, OR.