Marjorie Anne (Niffenegger) Schumacher, age 91, passed away peacefully after a long and courageous health battle. She was a resident of Pleasant View Nursing Home and was surrounded by love in her final chapter.
Marjorie was born on August 11, 1934, in Monroe, Wisconsin, to Edward and Lillian (Figi) Niffenegger. From the very beginning, she made her presence known—famously arriving as a 13‑pound baby and holding the hospital’s size record for decades. It was a fitting start for a strong and unforgettable woman.
She attended business school in Milwaukee following high school and went on to lead a life defined by independence, determination, and adaptability. Marjorie held many roles throughout her working years, including a Pentagon internship, positions at Micro Switch and Crum & Forster Insurance, and worked as a waitress, seamstress, babysitter, and office manager at Monroe Ready Mix. She was also a savvy businesswoman, owning an eight‑unit apartment complex in Monroe and later becoming a former owner of Monroe Speedwash. Above all, she was a brave, self‑reliant woman—raising four children on her own and doing so with grace and grit. Proud of her Swiss heritage, she embodied strength, discipline, and resilience.
Marjorie had an enduring love for music and the arts. She played the cello with the UW Madison Symphony Orchestra, the organ at church, and filled her home with music from her beloved upright piano. Dancing brought her great joy—especially tap dancing. In her twenties, she even tap‑danced on a television program, and her silver tap shoes became treasured items during many dress‑up games with her children. She and her late husband, Duane Awalt Schumacher, were known for being effortlessly smooth on the dance floor.
An avid bowler, Marjorie competed in many state tournaments over the years. Though a perfect game narrowly escaped her, she came close many times. She also loved gardening, spending countless hours tending to her flowers with care and pride. Travel was another passion. Before settling down to family life—and later with her children and friends—Marjorie embraced the joy of seeing new places, only slowing when her health required it.
Marjorie’s love of community shone through in her devotion to her church and in her unwavering support of her children. She never missed a single school program and could always be found in the audience, cheering proudly. After her children were grown, she and her close friends—the 4 “M & M’s” as they were lovingly known (Mavis Riese, Mary Schmid, Marj, and Millie Stauffer) —became beloved fixtures at high school sporting events. Well‑known by students and fans alike, they made a tradition of honoring graduating senior girls on the softball team with a flower at their final game.
She also had a love of racing and proudly supported her son John’s involvement in the sport. Together they attended the Daytona 500 and other races, creating memories filled with excitement and laughter. She was also a loyal Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers fan.
Marjorie is survived by her children: Robin Schumacher (Kevin Meudt) of Dodgeville, Wisconsin; Jodee Stamm of Orangeville, Illinois; Shelly Isely (Dean) of Monroe, Wisconsin; and John Schumacher (Marilyn) of Monroe, Wisconsin. She was a loving grandmother to Lauren (Isely) Ziegler (Eric) of Madison, Wisconsin; Alec Isely of Monroe, Wisconsin; Austin Stamm (Alli) of Orangeville, Illinois; Michaela Schumacher; and Nicholas Schumacher; and a cherished great‑grandmother to Blair Stamm.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward Niffenegger and Lillian (Figi) Niffenegger; her brothers Edward, Robert, Eugene, and John Niffenegger; her sister Marian Dinges; and her first grandchild, Jason Erickson.
Marjorie will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, and great‑grandmother; a woman of talent and independence; and a steady, loving presence to all who knew her. Her strength, warmth, and joy for life will live on in the many lives she touched.
A Memorial Visitation will be held at Shriner-Hager Funeral Home from 4:00-7:00pm on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. Condolences may be sent to the family at: shgfuneralhome.net.
