LAKE PARK — Marcia Mae Schumacher, 86, of Lake Park, died peacefully shortly after midnight on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, following a brief battle with cancer.
A private family service will be held. A public visitation is scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, September 12, at First Presbyterian Church in Lake Park.
Marcia was born August 12, 1940, on a farm in Lincoln Township near Dolliver, the daughter of Christ and Helen Blom Petersen. As the oldest of six children, she spent many of her early years helping her mother care for her younger siblings.
An outstanding student with a deep love of learning, Marcia graduated as valedictorian of Superior High School’s Class of 1958. She earned an elementary education degree from Estherville Junior College in 1960, the same year she married Art Schumacher.
Marcia began her remarkable teaching career in Ringsted and later taught in Cylinder and Sheffield. After she and Art moved to Lake Park, she continued teaching at Sioux Valley School in Minnesota.
While working as an educator, Marcia attended night classes at Mankato State University and graduated magna cum laude with a master’s degree in education in 1973. She later earned an administrative specialist certificate from Northern State College in Aberdeen.
Marcia advanced from the classroom to become an elementary principal for the Sioux Valley-Round Lake-Brewster school system. She was later selected to serve as superintendent, a position she held until retiring in 2002. Her distinguished educational career included seven years in Iowa schools and 40 years in Minnesota.
Retirement did not slow Marcia’s involvement with others. She worked part time at Dollar General in Spirit Lake for more than six years, served on numerous committees and remained active in her church and community.
Marcia cherished life in Lake Park and treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren. Her favorite things included chocolate, shopping, ice cream cruises, short vacations, soap operas and old television comedies, including “Everybody Loves Raymond.”
Family remained at the center of Marcia’s life. She was remembered as a loving wife, caring mother, generous Christian woman and treasured Nana whose hard work and kindness enriched the lives of those around her.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 66 years, Art Schumacher; son Lee and his wife, Darci; daughter Lynette; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; siblings Jack, Jim, Susie and Lee; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Additional arrangements and obituary information are available through Turner Jenness Family Funeral Home.
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