Hildegard C. Schumacher

Hildegard C. Schumacher, age 96, of Yankton, South Dakota, died Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the Avera Majestic Bluffs Hospice House in Yankton, surrounded by her family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Crofton, Nebraska, with Reverend Jim Keiter officiating. Burial will be in the St. Rose Cemetery in Crofton. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Crofton, with a rosary and vigil service at 7:00 PM. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton, South Dakota.

Memorials may be directed to the House of Mary Shrine, P.O. Box 455, Yankton, South Dakota, 57078.

Hildegard Catherine (Gentrup) Schumacher was born March 31, 1929 in Crofton, NE to Conrad and Mary (Spenner) Gentrup. She was born and raised on a farm 4 miles west and 2 miles north of Crofton. She was the second oldest of 12 children. Hilda attended St Rose grade school and after completing the 8th grade stayed home and helped her mother who had just had a baby. Through her teen years she assisted farm families with their household duties. It was during this time that she began working at the Schumacher farm where she met her future husband Peter (Pete). On May 12, 1948 the two of them were joined in holy matrimony. Together they raised their family, farmed, raised livestock, and milked cows. Hilda loved gardening and spent many days canning. She sang in the church choir and led many rosaries. She was a fantastic cook; her homemade bread would have rivaled any bakery. Special memories were made picnicking with friends and family at Lewis and Clark Lake. In 1970 they retired from farming and built a home in Crofton. Hilda then worked at several businesses in town including The Top Spot, Corner Drug Store, and Cottonwood Villa. As Pete’s health declined, Hilda became his full-time caregiver. Following Pete’s death, Hilda volunteered at the Crofton Senior Center. In 2006, she sold her home and moved to Sunrise Apartments in Yankton. Due to her health, in 2023 she moved to Majestic Bluffs. Hilda enjoyed embroidering dish towels, pillow cases and lap quilts. She was known as an exceptionally sharp card player. She was an active member of the Christian Mothers for over 60 years and had a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Hilda was a life-long member of the Association of the Miraculous Medal.

Hilda is survived by her sons: Deacon Allan (Sharon) Schumacher of Omaha, Nebraska; Gary Schumacher of Lincoln, Nebraska; James (Susan) Schumacher of Omaha; and daughters Sandra (Patrick) Osmond of Lincoln; and Joan (Clayton) Jones of Omaha; 20 grandchildren; 44 great grandchildren; siblings: Marcella Lammers; Angela Goeden; David (Diane) Gentrup; Irene (Larry) Hames; and Mary Ann (John) Sorci; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, Peter; infant daughter, Mary; infant son, Bruce; son and daughter-in-law, Roland and Diane Schumacher; siblings: Henry (Barbara) Gentrup; Hilary (Charlotte) Gentrup; Cletus Gentrup; Robert Gentrup; Lucille Havermann, and Evelyn Gentrup.

The family expresses our deep appreciation for the care the staff at Sister James provided our mother during her time spent with them.