Gary J. "Shoey" Schumacher

Gary "Shoey" J. Schumacher, 71, of Belmont, Wisconsin, died on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, due to a tragic work-related accident.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Peace Lutheran Church in Belmont, WI. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, October 21, at Melby Funeral Home & Crematory in Platteville, and will continue Thursday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. Online condolences may be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Shoey, as nearly everyone knew him, was born on January 22, 1955, in Platteville, WI, to Guerdon Schumacher and Bernice (Springer) Schumacher. He grew up on the family farm in rural Belmont and graduated from Belmont High School in 1973.

He began his 53-year career as a diesel mechanic with McMorhan Trucking (Truck Country) in Shullsburg, WI. He later partnered with Spensley Feed in Belmont to start Shoey's Diesel Repair, and before long he had earned the title "Truck Doctor of Wisconsin."  He went on to expand and operate Shoey’s Diesel Repair on his own and added Schumacher Trucking, with a fleet that included trucks he built from the frame up. Whether it was an 18-wheeler or a Power Wheels, he was never without a project to tinker on.

In 1977, while on spring break in Daytona Beach, Shoey met the love of his life, "his Bride," Cindy Senior of Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. They were married on July 8, 1978, in Scarborough, and together they built a big, beautiful life with their seven children. Shoey often boasted of having "7 Reasons to Work Day and Night," but his greatest blessings were his 14 grandchildren, whom he absolutely loved and adored.

For 53 years, Shoey served with the Belmont Volunteer Fire Department, where he was among its longest-serving members, contributing his time, mechanical talents, and dedication in many different roles. He also served on the church council of Peace Lutheran Church and loved sponsoring the Stagecoach rides at the Belmont Fair.

Shoey had a strong faith in God. He will be remembered for his incredible work ethic, which he passed on to his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed time at the lake with his family, fishing, swimming and boating. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan who also closely followed the Badgers and NASCAR. Above all, he loved cheering on his kids and grandkids in all their activities. His greatest achievement was his family.

Shoey is survived by his wife, Cindy; their seven children: Jonathon (Amanda Thompson) and their children, Genevieve, Geneva and Garrison; Suzanne (Matt) Bussan and their children, Archer, Fletcher and Elliana; Stephanie; Shanna and her children, Randyn, Kenley, Ryah and Kaliya; Samantha; Jaclyn (Emeric) Schumacher-Williams and their children, Shaun, Shaylynne, Shylah and Sheena; and Jamison Schumacher. He is also survived by his niece and nephew, Jenny (Kurt) Malott and Dan (Nikki) McKeon; his step-sister, Gail (Scott) Doelli; brother-in-law, Micky McKeon; and Cindy's family, her sister, Kristine Senior; her brother, Michael (Penny) Senior, and their children, Zakk and Gavin; and her brother-in-law, Dave Hubbarde, and his children, Christopher (Heather) Hubbarde and Jennifer (Adam) Hodge.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Karen McKeon; his stepmother, Lee Schumacher; his stepbrother, Louie Larson; his beloved in-laws, Bud and Susan Senior; and his sister-in-law, Kathie Hubbarde.

His legacy trucks on forever.