William Shumaker

William "Bill" "Willy" Shumaker, 72, passed away November 20th, 2023, at his rural Lennox, SD home due to natural causes. William Ernest Shumaker was born at Sioux Falls, SD, on June 14, 1951, the son of Lyle and Edna (Kroeger) Shumaker. He grew up attending school in Humboldt, SD, graduating from West Central High School in 1970. After graduation, Bill began a life long career in well drilling, working for B.T.Collins. Dave Putzke bought the company, and it became Dave Putzke Drilling. He remained employed here until his death. Bill married Cheryl Osthus in 1973. Three children were born to this union, Tamera, Eric and Jeffery. He later married Javene Clark on June 10, 1995 at Humboldt, SD. The couple made their home near Lennox, SD. Javene died on March 18th, 2014. Bill was a member of West Prairie Lutheran Church where he served on the church council. When Bill wasn't working he could be found at West Prairie mowing the church and cemetery. He loved his garden at the shop and would spend hours there, he called it his therapy. He would then spend hours canning. His other love was pool and his pool family, Bill shot on the Lennox Area League for 25 years and counting. He would never turn down a chance to play and to show people you can hit soft and still win the game (Willy Willy Soft).He played for the Church Softball Team, as well as in Sioux Falls. He also enjoyed bowling, hunting, cards and golfing. The past 8 years Bill has spent Christmas in Deadwood with his friend Mark, he had some of the best stories from those trips. He would look forward to it all year. Fourth of July was a special day for Bill, he spent the entire day with his family. The display of fireworks in the backyard would rival any in the county. Besides his wife Javene, his parents, Bill was preceded in death by 9 siblings, 1 Grandson, Son in law, Sister in law and 2 brother in laws. He is survived by his children: Tamera (Matt) Haase, Minneapolis MN, Jeffery (Darcy) Shumaker, Sioux Falls, and Eric Shumaker, Sioux Falls. Step-Childern: Laurie Legg, LaCrosse WI, Missy Shyne, Sioux Falls, Mike (Amy) Smith Hurley, Nikki (Paul) Barnhart Sioux Falls. Grandchildren: Derek (Pam) Murray, Brittany (Wesley) Lunt, Devon Murray (Crystal), Drake Murray, Raegan, Brinlee, Harper Smith, Aleacia (Mike) Becker, Gabrielle, Maxwell & Victoria Haase, Jack & Lucy Shumaker. 11 Great-Grandchildren. Siblings: Norman (Arlene) Shumaker, Harvey Shumaker, Dale (Lori) Shumaker, Walter (Bev) Shumaker, June Hitt and Marcia Narlin, as well as other relatives and friends. Services will begin at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at West Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Lennox, SD. Visitation, with the family present, will be 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, also at West Prairie Lutheran Church.

William Shumaker

June 14, 1951 - November 20, 2023

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