Samuel “Sam” R. Shumate

FENNIMORE – Samuel “Sam” Ray Shumate, age 72, passed away on Sunday October 13, 2024, with his beloved family by his side. He was born in Hillsboro, WI on June 15, 1952; the son of Bernard and Mildred (Adkins) Shumate. Sam graduated from Sparta High School and was united in marriage to Pamela “Pam” Burnham on September 11, 1971.

Sam grew up in the Sparta area and lived there until 1985 when he took a job with Schwan’s and the family moved to Fennimore. He later worked at Southwest Tech, where he eventually retired. Sam loved his simple life. He was an avid reader who took special interest in history books and loved to visit the local library. Sam enjoyed fishing, especially with his grandsons. He had a love for old country music and enjoyed going for drives. Sam looked forward to his daily visits with his friends at Speedy Mart while picking up lottery tickets.

Sam is survived by his daughter, Jeanne (Randy) Henkel of Fennimore; three grandsons: Seth (Jerica) Henkel of Fennimore, Nick (Serena) Henkel of Dodgeville, and Jacob (Haleigh Bratton-Bennett) Henkel of Fennimore; two great grandchildren, Camden and Hadley Henkel; sister, Fernie (Karl) Rouse of Green Bay; sister in-laws, Edna Buroker of Reedsburg, Bonnie Burnham of Black River Falls, and Donna Burnham of Sparta; and brother in-law, Randy (Rita) Burnham of San Jose, CA. He was preceded in death by his wife Pam Shumate; his parents, Bernard and Mildred Shumate; sister, Jennifer (Burle) Wolfe; brothers: Larry (Donna) Buroker, Jim (Nelda) Buroker, David Buroker, and Levi Shumate; and brothers and sister in-law: Linda Burnham, Donnie Burnham, Ronnie Burnham, and Bobby Burnham.