Belvidere, ILHoward L. Schumacher, 81, of Belvidere, IL died early Saturday morning, November 21, 2009 in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center after a sudden illness. Howard was born October 31, 1928 in Rochelle, IL the son of George and Alma (Hartwig) Schumacher and was a life long Irene and Belvidere area resident. He married Phyllis Starr on November 21, 1954 in Belvidere. Howard served in the US Army as military policeman from 1952 to 1954. After he was discharged from the Army he started farming. Howard also served the community as a volunteer firefighter with the Boone Co. Fire Protection District 2 for 38 years. He also served as a trustee for 18 years, a post he retired from a year ago. Howard also enjoyed clerking for auctions and helping with pedal pulls.Survivors include his wife, Phyllis; children, Cynthia (Curtis) Fruit of Lindenwood; William Schumacher of Belvidere and Cheryl Crabtree of Rockton; grandchildren, Kristopher (Kim) Gay, Ryan Curry, Chad Fruit, Crystal Fruit; great grandchildren, Kiley Ishmon, Ava Rose Curry and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Howard is predeceased by his parents and half brother, Paul Schumacher.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Boone Co. Fire Protection Dist 2 Scholarship Fund in Howard's memory.