A Celebration of Life Service to honor the life and legacy of Dean Schumacher, age 85, of Heron Lake, will be held Monday, July 14th at 10:30 AM at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Heron Lake. Burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Heron Lake with military honors provided by the Sievert-Peterson American Legion Post #608 of Okabena.

A visitation for Dean Schumacher will be held on Sunday, July 13th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the LaCanne Family Celebration of Life Center in Windom. Visitation will continue on Monday, July 14th at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Heron Lake for one hour prior to the service, from 9:30 to 10:30 AM.

To honor Dean's memory, memorials preferred.

Dean Stuart Schumacher was born on October 4, 1939, on the family farm in Weimer Township, Jackson County, Minnesota, to Russell A. and Gladys "Tim" (Fox) Schumacher. He was baptized at the United Methodist Church and later confirmed at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Heron Lake. Dean graduated from Heron Lake High School in the Class of 1957.

On May 9, 1964, Dean was united in marriage to Judy Horkey at Grace Lutheran Church in Westbrook. Dean and Judy were blessed with three children, Trent, Adam and Carmen. The family grew to include spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom Dean cherished, and he treasured time spent together. Dean owned and operated Schumacher Nursery and Berry Farm in Heron Lake and farmed his grandfather's land in Presho, South Dakota.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserve and was deployed to Vietnam with the 452nd Supply Unit. Following honorable discharge from the service, Dean returned home and remained active in supporting veterans as a member and past Commander of the American Legion Post in Heron Lake and later as a member in Okabena. Dean was deeply rooted in the community, and he served on the Heron Lake Cemetery Association, volunteered with the Heron Lake Fire Department and E.M.S., and was involved for many years, serving as President for a time, in the Lions Club and North Heron Lake Game Producers.

Dean was known for his quick wit, love of the outdoors, and strong commitment to his faith and family. He enjoyed hunting trips to South Dakota and fishing adventures at Red Lake with family and friends. Family time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought him great joy.

On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at the age of 85, Dean passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family, after a courageous 28-year battle with cancer.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 61 years, Judy Schumacher of Heron Lake; son, Trent (Kimberly) Schumacher of Heron Lake and children Zachary (Logan) Schumacher and their children, Beau and Blake, and Hailey Schumacher; son, Adam (Christine) Schumacher of Heron Lake and children Stuart (Meghan) Schumacher and their children, Ruby-Mae, Bruhn, Henning and baby Schumacher on the way, Garrett Schumacher, Wyatt (Taylor) Schumacher, Madelyn Schumacher, and Addison Schumacher; daughter, Carmen (David) Mertens of Milford, IA and son Tate Mertens; one brother, Leon (Margaret) Schumacher of Ely; brother-in-law, Gary (Rita) Horkey of New Prague; sister-in-law, Vicky Horkey of Windom; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Floyd and Alice Horkey; brother-in-law, Richard Horkey; and sister-in-law, Earlene Horkey.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.