Rita M. Schumacher, age 88, of Colfax, died Tuesday July 25, 2023, at her home in the Township of Tainter, surrounded by family members.

Rita was born December 25, 1934, on the home farm in the Township of Tainter.  She was the daughter of Robert and Martha (Schollmeier) Dalle and grew up in Tainter Township.  Rita graduated from Menomonie High School in 1952.   Rita attended Dunn Co. Normal and then taught rural school on top of “Miller Hill”, for two years. Rita married Frank C. Schumacher June 4, 1957, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Menomonie.  After marriage they farmed on the Schumacher family farm and raised their family.

Rita enjoyed bicycle riding, even well into her eighties, she also biked to her Wine & Cheese ladies group “get-together’s”.  She enjoyed working in her garden and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Rita welcomed many of the neighborhood kids to her home, and to some was considered a “second mom”.  Rita was also an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, and her faith was very important to her.

Rita is survived by her children, David, Mike, Jean, Kathy, Charlie, Mary, Becky (Phil Hudson), Tom (Amy), many grandchildren and great grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Mary Lee; five nieces and one nephew and other relatives and friends. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Frank in 2005, two sons, Robert in infancy and John; a son-in-law, Tony Ferber and two sisters, Mary and Theresa. 

Funeral services will be 11:00AM on Tuesday August 1, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Menomonie with Rev. John Mano officiating.  Burial will be in the church cemetery. 

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM Monday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Menomonie and one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.

Condolences

1. Judy Ferber August 4, 2023, at 5:06pm

   Rita was my first and second grade teacher at Miller Hill Grade School. What an impact she had on my life! I admired her so much.
   May you be comforted by all your wonderful memories of happy times together. Judy Witt Ferber

2. Kris Johnson August 1, 2023, at 10:03am

   Twenty years ago, my husband and I sat behind Mrs. Schumacher and her husband at Mass. Afterwards, she turned around and introduced herself and asked where we lived. When we discovered we were neighbors by a few miles, I invited her to bike over and she did that week and many more times. She invited my family for their ball games in the field and tried to get us to cross county ski, too! We always exchanged Christmas cards, and her writing was such a nice calligraphy. She has been a sweet and joyful blessing to us and we thank the Lord for her life!

3. Diana Byrnes July 31, 2023, at 12:46pm

   Mary, my many condolences and prayers are with you!
   Holyland Pilgrim,
   Diana Byrnes

4. Kathy McCarthy July 29, 2023, at 2:03pm

   Sending hugs and prayers to all of you in the loss and memory of Rita.
   She was a blessing to our family and helped so much in the Schumacher Family and Moore Farm history. We shared many lunches with her, Agnes, and Catherine going over genealogy. They always ordered their pie first, which I loved! She had many stories to share! May all your memories of Rita warm your hearts. She will be missed. Lovingly , Kathy and Dennis

5. Ed and Kathy Sessions July 29, 2023, at 9:21am

   It is with deep sympathy we send our heart felt prayers for all of you. I so enjoyed talking and texting with your mom. She will be greatly missed and I pray you all hold her good memories in your hearts. As she always called herself to me (the other grandma). God Bless and give you strength in this difficult time.

6. lisa and Jim Moe July 28, 2023, at 8:20pm

   My deepest sympathy and prayers to you all, she was a wonderful woman. R.I.P. grandma Rita ????

7. Olivia McCarthy July 27, 2023, at 7:59pm

   Schumacher Family-

   My condolences for your loss. I hope you find some comfort in your memories of Rita’s long and full life.

   Your cousin, Olivia McCarthy

8. Lisa Prochaska July 26, 2023, at 9:21pm

   Praying for the Schumacher family! Rita was a beautiful soul and impacted my life in a way that will never be forgotten; daughter, wife, mother and friend to so many!

9. Loret July 26, 2023, at 9:01pm

   Sorry for your loss.

10. Jerry Ryan July 26, 2023, at 5:44pm

    A wonderful person and we are all so much richer for having known her. I remember many of fun Thanksgiving dinners with her and the Schumacher family.

    I know it is sad and I am so very sorry for the sadness. Know that every good story honors the memory.

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