I just found out today, 9-11-14 that Ken has passed away. I am crushed! I worked with Ken when he was Operations Manager of Fitzgerald (World) Theater in St. Paul. Always a kind, fair and talented man. I was mixing audio in those days. Can't remember I long he was there, but a guy you instantly liked and wanted to work with. Ken decided to leave the Fitz and move back to Iowa and the Des Moines Civic Center I believe. But I know that Dana and Ken loved the Twin Cities and when they came up they always checked in.

When Ken left I became the Operations Mgr. and then General Manager of the Fitzgerald. Ken's gift to me! I no longer work in theater, but stay connected with folks via Facebook, and LinkedIn. LinkedIn today said it was his 10 year anniversary at the Hancher! So I said congrats! I thought if has been awhile, so I went to Hancher website and saw that he was not on staff and googled his name and found he had passed. What a blow to the theater community.

My prayers to Dana and family! Thanks Ken for being a blessing to me!

Dana, Kurt, and Peter,

I was so very sad to hear about Ken's passing. I remember him as a kind, funny, and articulate man who cared greatly for his family and for others. He always had a humorous story when I saw him and he was always seemed eager to visit. I never felt like he was in a rush to "get on" with his day and always took a genuine interest in my life whenever I saw him. I hope your memories of Ken help you through this time...I will be thinking of you in the weeks to come...God bless.

Dear Dana, Kurt and Peter,

So sad to hear of Ken's passing. But the news brought back memories of so many good times with Ken during our time as students at Iowa State. I am hoping you also have a lifetime of fond memories as some comfort at this sad time. Our thoughts are with you.

Dana,

Dear Dana, Kurt and Peter,

I would like to express my deepest sympathies to all the Schumachers. I was saddened to hear of Ken's death. I got to know Ken during our time at Iowa State University and while living in Alumni Hall. Ken was gregarious and would talk your leg off if you had the time. After graduation, I was privileged to re-connect with Ken while he worked at the Greater Des Moines Civic Center. I will pray for Ken and all of you in this difficult time.

I was saddened to hear about Ken's recent passing. Though our paths did not pass directly I felt ties with John and Jeff via the Scions and the DMRW. My father, Melvin Lagoon, participated in 2013 - just as John was did 2012.

Thoughts and prayers to all the family! HUGS!

While the Schumachers only lived a few blocks away, I really became friends with Ken during our Saturday morning work-outs at the Ames public gym. We conversed, shared stories, talked arts and politics..and most of all, just enjoyed each other's company. I still have a vivid memory of Ken returning to the gym, last year-- slightly bent, with the assistance of a cane. Several of us at the gym proclaimed how good it was to see Ken..and Ken smiling, saying you don't know how good it is to see you. I was very sad to learn of Ken's passing, and appreciate having the time to get to know this genuine good and wise man.

Our thoughts goes to the Schus, especially Dan, Kurt and Peter.

I had the pleasure to meet them in August 2013 when I visited them on a trip to their Dad and Grandpa, John. I only spent a few hours with Ken but I remember this sunny simmer day that we spent strolling around Ames and ISU and having a big lunch all together.

That's the way i will remember Ken.

Farewell Buddy.

Dear Schumacher Family,

I was a freshman at Iowa State in the fall of 1970 from a small Iowa town and had rarely been outside the state -- a pretty closed existence. Ken became someone I looked up to, who showed me the bigger picture and whom I came to admire for his love of life and for having the freedom to enjoy everything and everyone around him. I was very glad to see him at the Alumni Hall reunion in 2012.

We were so sorry to hear of Ken's passing. After 40 years it was a pleasure to see Ken at the recent Alumni Hall reunion at Iowa State. Ken was always passionate in his many activities and a friend that would always be there to help. I have many fond memories of Ken from those days and his career path sounds just like him.

Ken and I were friends from grade school in Coon Rapids through college at Iowa State. We shared a love of music and the arts and were roommates our last 2 years of college. Both of us sang and played trumpet together through high school. Our families were friends at the Methodist Church. Ken, Wes Niles and myself were inseparable throughout High School and had great fun singing and playing in the small musical groups that we participated in. I will always remember Ken as a kind soul, talented artist and wonderful friend. He will be missed. God's blessing to you Ken and to your family. Your sadness is shared. Craig Nelson

To the Ken Schumacher Family:

we are thinking about you during this period - many greatings from Sainte-Ode, Denis Jusseret, Président of the Tourisme Board.

we are thinking about you at that time

Denis

We were terribly upset to hear of the passing of Kenneth and send you and your family our most sincere condolences in your very sad loss...

My deepest symphathy to Ken's family.

Peter, you and your family are in our thoughts.

I was the Assistant Stage Manager for Hancher for three years, and it was my privilege to work with Ken. I have never known a man who cared more about his job and the people who worked there. I was just a student employee, but never once felt belittled for my limited knowledge. Ken was always happy to see you, and happy to be at work, no matter the health challenges he faced. The last time I saw Ken, we were working a show together in December, and I was on crutches, again. He was so concerned about my health, and we reminisced about the time years before when I'd been laid up in a wheelchair. I remember how supportive Ken always was, how courteous, and how he always inspired me to want to be a better person and give everything I had to offer. I will miss Ken, and never forget what I learned while working with him.

When Ken worked over in Hancher we would have our breaks together the Hancher crew and Voxman, he was just a great person to be around so happy and a very giving person I will surely miss him.