The SchuKids Fund (Addison, Adrian, Staley)

Francis Allan Schumacher, Jr., 41, of Rockford, passed away on 10/28/2022 at 7:53 pm, surrounded by his family and friends in his home. For the past nine months, he fought a courageous battle with incurable brain cancer, Glioblastoma Multiforme, diagnosed in early February of this year.

Born September 15, 1981, in Elgin, IL, the only child of Francis Allan and Maria Hilda (Quezada) Schumacher, Sr., Graduate of St. Edwards High School and Millikin University.

At an early age, Francis loved sports, especially football and baseball. He played football all his life, where he built lifelong friendships and lasting memories.

After college, he went into the Management Program at Menards and remained employed with them for the past 20 years. He enjoyed helping many friends and families make decisions on making their house a home.

Heather and Francis met through mutual friends in 2011 in Bloomington, IL. They had a long-distance relationship the first year and then relocated to Rockford, IL, together to build their home.

Francis married Heather Lynn Auestad (Puryear) on ~12/13/14~ in Las Vegas, NV, at the Flamingo. He loved going to Las Vegas. That is where they were Engaged, Married, celebrated their 1st Wedding Anniversary and where he went his 40th Birthday.

To say he was full of life was an understatement; he called himself “The People’s Champ.” He would do anything for anyone, and was known for his big heart. He was a friend to everyone he met.

Francis was an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan, so much so that all his Children are named after sports teams. His three beautiful children are; Addison (5 years), Adrian (3 years) and Staley (3 years). Francis was a family man and loved taking his children and wife on many adventures such as; the Zoo, swimming in Gigi and Mormor’s pool, sporting events, school activities, vacations, Disney World and out to eat.

Florida was a go-to vacation spot every year, and Arizona became the second choice in the winter. He also loved the colder weather and was known to wear a sweatshirt, shorts and flip-flops. Heather referred to him as her Polar Bear in the frozen tundra.

He is survived by his wife, Heather; children, Addison, Adrian, and Staley; mother, Maria (Michael Flickenger); and In-Laws, Michael and Andrea Muzzarelli. Along with a large extended family; Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. He was predeceased by his father (2017).

A special thank you to all the amazing friends and family who have supported us during the most challenging time of our life.

Francis will be remembered at a Celebration of Life on November 12, 2022, from 3-5 pm at Northeast Christian Church, 5651 E. Riverside Blvd, Rockford, IL, 61114.

His favorite Pasta meal and Chocolate Cupcakes will be served following the service. Francis would love it if everyone came to celebrate in their favorite sports attire.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the Schumacher Children’s GoFundMe Link to help cover immediate and future needs.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

Memorials may be made to Schumacher Children's GoFundMe Link; https://gofundme.com/f/the-schukids-fund-addison-adrian-staley

To send a condolence or share a memory, visit olsonfh.com