Obituary of Ken Schumann

Ken Schumann died of heart failure on December 14, 2018, surrounded by family and loved ones. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on September 21, 1944, to Clyde Schumann and Ronnie (Gallik) Schumann. He grew up in the Cleveland area, graduating from Nordonia High School in 1962 and attending Kent State University. In 1964, Ken married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Millie Ress. Shortly after the wedding, Ken and Millie joined Ken’s parents and siblings and moved to Anaheim, California and, a year or so later, to Washington State.  

Ken learned carpentry from his father from a young age, joining the Carpenter’s Union in 1962. He became a master craftsman and cabinet maker, co-founding and co-owning Adken Millwork and Cabinets in Tumwater. Living in Washington, Ken developed a love of the outdoors and became an avid hunter and fisherman. He also had a deep love of music, playing guitar and becoming very skilled on harmonica/blues-harp. He played harmonica with the band Smoking Section and with many local musicians, including his dear friends at the Tumwater Senior Center and at the annual Harmonica Jamboree in Shelton.

Ken and Millie had two beloved sons, Dean and Michael. In addition, their hearts and home were always open to people in need, especially young people. Ken’s survivors include grandchildren and great-grandchildren, some related by blood and others by the heart. They are all deeply loved. Ken and Millie also always had a menagerie, including dogs, cats, chickens, ferrets and other, more unusual animal companions.

Ken will be deeply missed for his large heart, generosity, wry wit, and unflinching loyalty. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Millie Schumann; his sons, Dean Schumann and Michael Schumann (Amy Knutz); his former daughter-in-law, Heather Fields; his grandchildren, Tasha Douglas (Talon Douglas), Kasiah Schumann, Ashley Schumann, Nicholas Schumann, Austin Peters, and Rachel Lyons (Larry Wells); his great-grandchildren, Jeremy Fields, Lilly Peters, Talon Douglas Jr., Devin Haberman, Hemi Franks and Tesla Taylor; his siblings, Raymond Schumann, Alaine Schumann (Dan Christopher) and Donna Schumann (Jack Zeiger); and his niece, Jenise Gogan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Ronnie Schumann; and his nephew, Marty Schnarrs.

Ken’s family invites all who knew him to join a celebration of his life on May 4, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. at the Scott Lake Community Center, 2631 114^th Way SW, Olympia, WA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Make A Wish Foundation.