Douglas Howard Schumann

His Legacy… Doug Schumann, age 80, passed away January 1, 2020.  He was born on November 18, 1939 in Ann Arbor, MI to Howard and Mary (Bertsos) Schumann. Doug married the love of his life, Diane (Gauthier) Schumann, on June 30, 1962, and they raised their family in their hometown of Whitmore Lake. He was active in community service, serving on the Board of Education for many years. Doug was foremost a family man. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, as well as a gifted teacher.

Growing up with his brother, Dennis, in Ann Arbor, Doug enjoyed all sports and was a proud member of the state championship football team at Ann Arbor High. He was an avid jazz music fan and talented saxophone player, playing with various groups to earn extra money. Doug spent many summers in the competitive fast-pitch softball leagues in Ann Arbor and was a hard worker all his life, often working two or more jobs to pay for school and provide for his family. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University and taught elementary school for 44 years in Huron Valley Schools. Doug was adored by the more than 1,000 students who had the privilege of learning in his classroom. He teamed with innovative teachers to take education on the road, to museums, science centers, and camps. Year-long fundraising was organized so all students could go on trips to Toronto, Camp Innisfree in Northern Michigan, Mammoth Caves in Kentucky and destinations near and far. In recent years, Doug enjoyed connecting with former students and families through social media.

Doug loved being a dad to Dawn and Brad and later relished being involved in the lives of his grandsons, Colin and Graham. He especially cherished time reading (and reading) to them, playing on the computer together, sending letters and surprise gifts, and organizing various “Grampy” collections. He never missed their activities, showing up (sometimes loudly) at every game, concert, or event. Wherever Doug’s family was, there you would find him. He had many life-long friends with whom he enjoyed traveling, playing cards, bowling and eating at favorite restaurants. After retirement, Doug and Diane were frequent travelers, including cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska. Among their more adventurous destinations were Singapore and Borneo to visit teacher friends.

His Family… Doug will be dearly missed by his daughter Dawn (Richard) Northrup; brother, Dennis (Beverly) Schumann; grandsons Colin and Graham Northrup; sister-in-law Kay Baker; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Diane; beloved son, Brad; and his parents Howard and Mary Schumann. The family would like to thank the dedicated care team at Vibrant Life Senior Living for their compassionate care during the last few months of Doug’s life where he enjoyed making new friends, participating in activities, and especially the food.

His Farewell… Doug’s family and friends will gather on Friday, January 3, 2020 from 3:00PM-6:30PM at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Hamburg Chapel. His Community Farewell will be on Saturday January 4, 2020 at 3:00 PM (2:00 PM Gathering) at Dexter United Methodist Church (7643 Huron River Drive, Dexter, Michigan) with Rev. Dr. Matthew Hook serving as celebrant. Memorial contributions may be given to SpringHill Camps, P.O. Box 100, Evart, MI 49631. Please leave a message of comfort for Doug’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign his guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.

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