Elsworth J. Schumitsch, of Antigo, died Sunday, September 9, 2018, at his daughter’s home under the care of his family and LeRoyer Hospice. He was 91 years old. He was born on December 11, 1926, in Antigo, a son of the late Frank and Irma (Pantzlaff) Schumitsch. He married Doris Hoerman on October 2, 1948, at St. John Catholic Church in Antigo. She preceded him in death on May 9, 2013.

Elsworth was a graduate of Antigo High School, class of 1944.
Mr. Schumitsch was a World War II veteran having served in the United States Navy from 1945 to 1946.

He was employed at Schleis Feed Store, Guenthner Potato Farm, Grantman Beverage Company and the Antigo Post Office, retiring in 1966.

He was a member of the Paul Marmes Disabled American Veterans Chapter 23 and the Leland Tollefson Veterans of Foreign War Post 2653, Antigo. He was also a member of Monsignor Conrad Saile Council 1002 Knights of Columbus and Monsignor Conrad Saile Assembly 1214 Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. As an active member, he was instrumental in starting weekly Bingo at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

He enjoyed playing cards, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and reading. He was an avid hunter, enjoyed gardening, bowling and golfing. His greatest love was spending time with family.

Survivors include four daughters, Elizabeth (Bill) Carney of Smithfield, Ky., Elaine (Pat) Higgins of Antigo, Eloise (Kenneth) Babb of Gray, Tenn. and Eileen (Mike) Messer of Antigo; two sons, Ernest Schumitsch of Omro and, Elsworth Joseph (fiancé Dana) Schumitsch Jr. of Jamestown, Ky.; 17 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; three sisters, Doris (Rudy) Younger of Fort Collins, Colo., Louise (Bud) Korth of Fort Collins, Colo., and Patricia (Randolph) McCarry of Waupaca; and a brother, Arthur (Mary) Schumitsch of Neshkoro.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Gilbert, Robert, and Donald.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 12, 2018, at 11 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church with Rev. Mathew Simonar officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday at the church in Hoffman Hall from 9 to 11 a.m.

Antigo Veterans will conduct military honors at the church following Mass. A private entombment will take place at the Queen of Peace Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to LeRoyer Hospice or Aspirus Visiting Nurses Association, 112 E. 5th Ave. Antigo, WI 54409