Clarence Ignatz Schumacher, 85, of Box Elder, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026.

Clarence was born on February 21, 1941, in Zeeland, North Dakota, to Paul J. and Julia (Kiefer) Schumacher. He was raised with strong family values that remained an important part of his life throughout the years.

Clarence was first married to Loretta Sonnenfeld, and together they were blessed with four children. When Loretta passed away, Clarence was left to raise their four young children. He later met Evonne Dietrich, who had two children of her own. Clarence and Evonne married and together welcomed three more children. Their marriage brought their family together, and Clarence and Evonne lovingly raised all nine children as one family. Through the years, their family continued to grow, and Clarence took great pride in the family they built together.

Clarence was a hardworking man who took great pride in his work. Early in his career, he worked at Oahe Dam as an ironworker and electrician in Philip and Spearfish, SD. However, his true passion was the cattle business. For 52 years, Clarence built a successful business AI-ing, pregnancy checking, and freeze branding cattle. He developed lasting friendships with his customers and took tremendous pride in the relationships he built throughout his career. Clarence often said, “I never worked a day in my life,” because he truly loved what he did and the people he met along the way.

His dedication and expertise earned him numerous honors throughout his career, including the Black Hills Angus Association Businessman of the Year in 2007, the Genex Mission Award in 2006, and numerous awards recognizing his accomplishments in cattle sales.

While Clarence was proud of his work, his greatest joy was his family. He loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and many friends. He treasured family gatherings, visiting around the table, sharing stories, playing cards, and making memories with the people he loved.

Clarence had a deep love for the cowboy way of life. He enjoyed riding horses, playing cards, and dancing. He made people feel welcome and was known for his stories, humor, hard work, and genuine friendship. His presence, laughter, and willingness to lend a hand will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Clarence is survived by his wife, Evonne Schumacher; his children, Jeff (Jenn), Joel (Kathy), Julie (John), Jon (Ellen), Chris (John), Gale (Misty), Chantell (Chad), Rachelle (Jeff), and Rachel (James); 23 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his siblings, William (Else), Daniel (Joyce), Francis, Paula, Vickie, Mike, and Albert (Coreen), along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, Paul J. and Julia (Kiefer) Schumacher; his first wife, Loretta Sonnenfeld; and his sisters, Kathleen and Dorothy.

Clarence leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy built not only through his work, but through the people he loved and the lives he touched. His greatest accomplishments were not measured by awards or business success, but by the family he cherished, the friendships he made, and the example of hard work, love, and dedication he leaves for generations to come.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever treasured by his family and friends.