Gary “Shoey” E. Schumacher, 69, died suddenly in his Sioux Falls home on May 30, 2011.

His funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 3, at Miller West Funeral Chapel. Visitation will be from noon until the start of the service on Friday. Burial will be 2 p.m. Saturday, June 4, at Oakwood Cemetery in Austin.

Gary was born on Nov. 18, 1941, in Austin, to Harold (Betty) Rosenbrock Schumacher. He graduated from Austin High School in 1960. Gary married the love of his life, Sharon Hynie on Jan. 3, 1962, in Hot Springs, S.D. After their marriage, Gary enlisted in the US Air Force. In 1978, the couple moved to Sioux Falls, and Gary began working for MEPS. He worked there until 1982. At that time, Gary graduated with a bachelor’s degree and began working as a Veteran’s Service Officer.

Gary was an avid collector of trains, coins and numerous other items. He always enjoyed attending State Fairs and carnivals, especially when he could take his grandson, Jackson with him. Jackson meant everything to Gary. He was Gary’s shining light. Gary was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, the coin club in Sioux Falls and the American Legion.

Gary is survived by his wife, Sharon; daughter, Shawna Schumacher; son, Kent (Linda) Schumacher; grandson, Jackson; sisters-in-law, Sonja (Robert) Brandt and Jeanette (Floyd) Kotval; aunts, nieces, nephews and two cats, Larson and Snow Flake.