Introduction

This blog honors Gerhard Schumacher. He was born in the year of Custer's Last Stand (1876) and he died in the year that man first set foot on the moon (1969). Gerhard was born in Minnesota, attended college at St. John's University (studied to be a Roman Catholic priest according to his daughter, Sr. Michelle), homesteaded near the Badlands of western North Dakota, married Clara Wise at 43 years of age(a woman 20 years his junior), and had five children, 18 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren. The number of 2nd-great grandchildren is expanding continually.

In Appreciation to Pearl Olstad (Gerhard's niece by marriage)

The blogger, Daniel O'Hara, wishes to thank Pearl Olstad for her help over the years in identifying many of the people in the early family photographs shown in this blog.

Pearl turned 100 years old in 2015. She was born on July 17th, 1915. Woodrow Wilson was President. Alexander Graham Bell completed the first transcontinental phone call and the Germans sunk the British ship, Lusitania, in World War I.

Pearl was yet another example of longevity in the Schumacher/Wise family lines and proof that God's Word is true. Pearl faithfully honored her parents. Ephesians 6:2-3 notes, "Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise: 'that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.'"

In a phone call to the Wibaux Nursing Home in Wibaux, MT today, 5/24/2016, the nurse noted that Pearl was slipping in and out of consciousness, but still fighting for life. If Pearl's time is soon, may God have mercy on her and grant her rest, welcoming her into His heavenly kingdom.

While I met Pearl a few times when I was younger, it was not until 1999 that we got acquainted when I passed through Beach, ND on a road trip. Pearl was very knowledgeable of the Wise & Laqua family lines. She was funny and spunky, as well as being interesting and easy to talk with.

A few photos of Pearl Olstad:

My mother Leona Schumacher (later Harn) with her cousin Pearl in circa 1926. Likely at the Gerhard Schumacher homestead east of Golva, ND.

This photo was taken at Lena & Lloyd Yates' (Pearl's parents) home in Sentinel Butte, ND in circa 1972. From left in this photo are: Dan Harn, Blogger (changed to O'Hara later and Gerhard's grandson), Sr. Michelle Schumacher (Gerhard's daughter), Pearl Yates Olstad (Gerhard's niece by marriage), Lloyd Yates and John Schumacher (Gerhard's son)

My mother Leona Schumacher Harn (Gerhard's daughter), Pearl Olstad and Angie Schumacher Schaff Vetsch (Gerhard's daughter) at a Laqua family reunion in Billings, MT in circa 1985.. 

Pearl and her family at the Laqua family reunion in Billings, MT in circa 1985.

Pearl in her flower garden in Beach, ND in circa 1992. Pearl was about 77 years old in this photo.

Memorial of Eugene J. Harn (Gerhard's son-in-law) - Died December 25, 2009

Gene Harn (Leona's husband; Gerhard's son-in-law) died at the age of 89 on Christmas Day 2009. PLEASE CLICK ON THE OBITUARY for easier reading.


In a questionnaire prepared by his son Dan dated March 6, 2005, Gene answered a few questions. The following are excerpts from that questionnaire:
How would you like to be remembered?
As bringing each of you closer to the Lord Jesus.

Any favorite events, memories, hymns, prayers or key beliefs?
Amazing Grace.

What was your favorite time in life?
(1) Watching you & your brothers in b.b. games & track meets.
(2) In Portland during WWII '42 to '46.
(3) Bowling trips with Mom (Leona), Tom & Jerry.

Favorite radio / TV shows?
Mash



Gene's high school graduation photo.



Dad in the summer of 2009 at Holy Cross Cemetery at his wife Leona's grave.



A photo of a DVD of Dad sharing memories of his early life with his son Tom on August 8, 2005.

Dad said that his father told him not to work for someone else so in this freelance sales position(abt. 1944)selling encyclopedias Dad said he "worked like everything."

Gerhard's grave - Died March 30, 1969

Gerhard at Western Manor Nursing Home - Abt. January 1969

From left:
John Schumacher (Gerhard's son), Gerhard in wheelchair, and Sr. Michelle (Gerhard's 3rd eldest; Benedictine nun from St. Joseph, MN)

Gerhard's 92nd Birthday Party - October 1968

Gerhard and his wife Clara at what appears to be his 92nd birthday party on or about October 6, 1968. He was living at the Western Manor Nursing Home at the time.


A photo of a selection of Gerhard's grandchildren (Schaff, Vetsch, and Harn)at his 92nd birthday party. In the front, from left: Patty Harn (most likely; partially cut off in photo) Clara (Gerhard's wife) is seated, John Schaff, Jr. (most likely), Bill Harn and Dan Harn (little boy in front of Bill).

Billings Central Catholic High's Cross Country Team - Abt. September 1968

This school picture of Central High's Cross Country team featured three of Gerhard's grandsons--Tom, Jerry and Bob Harn. In the front row was Bob Harn (wearing glasses and in the middle). In the middle row and on the far left was Jerry Harn and also in the middle row far right is Tom Harn. The text under the caption noted, "Sparked by Tom Harn, the Most Valuable Runner of 1968, the Cross Country Team displayed a great vigor at all seven meets. This was the "Golden Age" at Billings Central when the faculty was chock full of habit wearing nuns, as well as a number of priests such Father Moore shown in this photo. The enrollment was also quite high compared to today's number. By the time the youngest Harn, Dan, got to BCCHS the number of priests and nuns on staff had shrunk considerably. Photo from the Rambler used under the Fair Use Rules of the U.S. Copyright Law.

Gerhard with grandson, Danny Harn (Blogger) - Abt. April 1968

Breakfast at the Harn's in the 1960s - Abt. May 1967

On left side of the table - Dan (youngest of 6) in the front and Jerry Harn (2nd eldest) in the rear.
On right side of the table - Tom (eldest) in front and Bob (3rd eldest) in the rear.
Bill and Patty not present in photo.

Baby Danny Harn with Patty and Bill Harn - Abt. 1966

Gerhard playing cards - Abt. 1965

Gerhard pictured playing what appears to be Solitaire. According to Leona Harn, Gerhard's daughter, Solitaire was a favorite game he played. Also, Gerhard reportedly smoked cigarettes till about the age of 90 except that he quit every year for Lent. Per Dick Vetsch (his grandson), Chesterfields were his brand of choice.

Gerhard and Clara's new home in Billings, MT - Abt. 1961

Angie and John Schaff (Wedding Day) - May 6, 1961

Angie with her 2nd husband, John Schaff. This photo was likely taken on their wedding day.

Bill Harn as a boy - Abt. June 1960

John and Sr. Michelle in John's 1959 Corvette - Abt. April 1960

Sister Michelle and John Schumacher (Gerhard's kids). Photo taken in Bismarck, ND per John Schumacher.

Gerhard, Clara and John - Abt. February 1960

Per John Schumacher this photo was taken at the original Schumacher homestead farm in the St. Michael, MN area. ON the left is John's 1959 or 1960 Corvette.

Inspecting Leona's new house - Abt. March 1959

From left: Leona Schumacher Harn, Gerhard, Sr. Valencia (or possibly Sr. Irma), Clara, and Sr. Irma (or possibly Sr. Valencia).

Breaking ground on Harn's new house at 428 Custer in Billings - Abt. September 1958

Vetsch Family photo - Abt. 1957

Photo of Emory and Angie Vetsch and family.
From left: Front - Judy, Jim and Dick. Back row - Emory, Jane(or Kathy), Angie (Doug on her lap), and Kathy (or Jane).

Angie Vetsch with a couple of her girls, McLeod, MT - Abt. 1955

Gerhard, Clara and a bunch of grandchildren - Abt. 1954

From left per Tom Harn (Gerhard's grandson; Leona's son):
Rear - Grandma Clara holding Bob Harn (baby born 8/4/54), Gerhard holding Jerry Harn (abt. 1 year old, born 6/14/53), and Tom Harn (on right sucking thumb, born 10/17/51).
Front - Judy Vetsch (or possibly Janie) holding Dick Vetsch (born 7/16/53), Kathy Vetsch (in pig tails), Janie Vetsch (or possibly Judy) holding Mike Hammes (born 9/15/53), and on the right was Jim Vetsch (born 11/20/51) holding a doll.
Location of photo was likely in Billings, MT.

Sister Valencia Schumacher (Gerhard's sister) - Abt. 1954

Gerhard's Family - Abt. 1953

John stationed in Japan - 1953

John Schumacher (Gerhard's son and youngest child) was stationed in Japan during the Korean War.


Front of photo said, "1953 Tokyo, Japan". Back of photo said, "Tokio, Japan notice the rooming houses at back all built alike."


Back of photo said, "Harbor at Yokahama Japan Taken when he (John) left"


Front of photo said, "1953 - Ship returned." Back of photo said, "Harbor Yokahama Japan Taken when John left there."


Front of photo said, "1953 Port Tokyo". Back of photo said, "Dock at Yokahama Japan, close to Tokio taken when John was leaving for home The band was there."

Construction of Harn's first house on 28th St. W. in Billings, MT - Abt. July 1952

Lucille (aka Lucy) & Chuck's wedding - June 7, 1952

Gene Harn (Gerhard's son-in-law) working on foundation of Harn's 1st house - April 1952

Sister Michelle Schumacher (Gerhard's daughter Irma) - Abt. 1951

Shortly after Irma became a Benedictine nun at St. Joseph, MN and took the name of Sister Michelle.

John & Clara at Bismarck House - Abt. 1951

Two photos of Clara and John during the winter of 1951-1952 at Gerhard & Clara's home in Bismarck. John was home on leave most likely while in the Air Force during the Korean War.

Visit to St. Benedict's Convent- June 1951

Bottom photo is of the young Vetsch girls. From left: Janie, Kathy and Judy.