Ronald Francis Shumaker, age 98 of Mt. Pleasant and formerly of Salem, Iowa passed away May 18, 2023 at Silver Palms Assisted Living in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Born on May 2, 1925 in rural Jackson Township, he was the son of Iliff and Gladys (Hallowell) Shumaker. On December 7, 1945 he married Kathleen Morrison in the parsonage of the Cedar Creek Church north of Salem. She preceded him in death on May 22, 2014.
After graduating from Salem High School, Ron was drafted into the military and volunteered for the U.S. Marine Corps on September 10, 1943. He attained the rank of sergeant while serving our country during World War II participating in the Pacific Theater which included the Mariana Islands, Western Caroline Islands and the Iwo Jima operations. He was honorably discharged on November 27, 1945. Ron worked at various crafts starting as a freshman in high school for his uncle Charles Dietrick at the Blue Star Woodwork Shop and for The Furniture Mart, both in Mt. Pleasant. After returning from the war he resumed his employment with The Furniture Mart and also started Ron’s Upholstery in Salem. He worked at Sheaffer Pen Company in Mt. Pleasant for three years and then for six years he owned a home repair/construction business. In 1957 he and his wife operated the grocery store in Salem. In 1958 he found his calling and for the next 30 years he worked in industrial general maintenance, first for Advance Ross Manufacturing in Burlington and Washington, then Iowa Industries and ESP Battery in Burlington. He retired from Goodyear Hose Plant in Mt. Pleasant in 1988.
Ron’s memberships include the American Legion Post #94 in Salem, Forty & Eight Voiture #661, VFW Post #15016, Iowa member at large and Henry County AmVets Post #44. He was also a charter member of the Henry County Honor Guard and served until his health would no longer allow him to do so. He had also been a volunteer fireman with the Salem Fire Department.
Over the years Ron enjoyed fishing, hunting, hiking, bird and animal watching. His interests in Salem history, cemeteries, and ancestry also occupied much of his time researching and documenting. He had participated in sports in high school and enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s athletic events. He also enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals and the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Survivors include two daughters, Connie (Dale) Schau of Altoona, Iowa, and Marilyn (Dennis) Schroeder of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; son-in-law Paul Moeller of Salem; grandchildren Lori (Mike) Wall, Mike (Tiffany) Moeller, Monte (Kim) Moeller, Kit (Alissa) Schroeder, Ski (Ashley) Schroeder; eleven great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Gwen Foss, Darlene Owens, and Charlotte Bailey. He was preceded in death by his wife Katie, daughter Jeanne Moeller, and a sister Joyce Van Dorin.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 23 at Elliott Chapel, New London beginning at 9:00 AM, with the family greeting friends from 1:00 – 2:00 PM. Immediately following the visitation, there will be a procession to Salem East Cemetery for a 3:00 PM Graveside Service. Senior Vice-Commander Karl Schaefer will officiate with Military Rites presented by the Henry County Honor Guard. A memorial has been established to the Salem East Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com