May 22, 1950 – December 29, 2025
Michael Schumacher passed away peacefully in his home on December 29th. Michael was born in Topeka, Kansas, on May 22, 1950, to the late Diane and Al Schumacher. He spent most of his childhood in Greenfield, WI, moving to Kenosha in 1967, where he lived for the remainder of his life.
Michael is survived by Susan and their children, Adam Michael (Lori), Emily Joy (Brian), and Jack Henry. Michael was also the proud Grampy of four grandchildren, Ivy, Dylan, Liam, and Will, who brought him joy on a daily basis. Family meant everything to Michael, and he was survived by six siblings, including: Gary (Vickie), Mark (Mary Ellen), Sue Stegbauer (Mark), Jim (“Just” Mary), Mary Kay Sherman (Jonny), and Teresa Villanueva (Javi). Michael was also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Survived by his lifelong friend, Kenny Ade, and so many others, Michael held his friends close to his heart, and he truly appreciated them more than they could know.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Anne Swaim.
Michael was an accomplished author, having published numerous articles in local and national magazines, newspapers, and publications. Michael had the opportunity to interview many national figures, artists, authors, politicians, and athletes over his career. Michael was the author of an eclectic assortment of books, including biographies on Allen Ginsberg, Phil Ochs, Eric Clapton, Francis Ford Coppola, George Mikan, Will Eisner, and Al Capp. Michael also wrote extensively on the Great Lakes shipwrecks, including Mighty Fitz, Wreck of the Carl D, Torn in Two, and others. Michael edited numerous books about Allen Ginsberg and his life. Michael was passionate about the Beat Generation, and he spent decades dedicated to researching and writing about it.
Michael loved New York City and spent extended periods of time working there and exploring, including all the great food stops (The Hungarian Pastry Shop being one of his favorites). Michael loved spending time on the Great Lakes, especially Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. He loved going to the beach with his grandsons, Liam and Will, and he wished that Ivy and Dylan lived closer so he could share that joy with them as well. Michael loved camping in the UP (making Spam and eggs for breakfast), and he loved to grill and hang out with friends. Michael had a passion for music, sports (especially the Brewers), politics, and conversations. Michael had strong convictions, and he was not afraid to voice them. Michael loved the times he grew up in and reminisced often about them. Michael was a longtime patron of The Spot Drive-In and had a daily ritual of holding court at Frank’s Diner, talking with his friends (or anyone who walked by) about world events. Michael was a lifelong learner and a deep thinker. Michael loved dogs and had several over the years, and he enjoyed his grand dogs, Corinna, Gus, Toby, and Scout. Michael will be greatly missed by many, and there will be a notable silence where his voice once boomed.
“Our apologies for any grammatical errors, as we didn’t have our Dad here to help.”
A Celebration of Michael’s Life will be held at a later date.
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