UPDATE: Michael Schumacher, the celebrated Wisconsin author known for his engaging biographies and compelling accounts of Great Lakes shipwrecks, has died at the age of 75. His daughter, Emily Joy Schumacher, confirmed his passing on December 29, 2023, although the cause of death has not been disclosed.
This news comes as a significant loss to the literary community, as Schumacher’s extensive body of work included notable biographies of iconic figures such as filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola and musician Eric Clapton. His contributions to literature spanned both biographical and historical narratives, deeply resonating with readers and scholars alike.
Schumacher’s bibliography features acclaimed titles, including Francis Ford Coppola: A Filmmaker’s Life and Crossroads: The Life and Music of Eric Clapton. He also authored Dharma Lion: A Biography of Allen Ginsberg, chronicling the life of the influential Beat Generation poet. His works, such as Mr. Basketball: George Mikan, the Minneapolis Lakers & the Birth of the NBA and Will Eisner: A Dreamer’s Life in Comics, highlighted the rich tapestry of American culture and history.
Born in Kansas, Schumacher spent most of his life in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he developed a passion for writing at an early age. Though just shy of graduating with a political science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, he pursued a dual career—one in biography and another in documenting the lore of the Great Lakes.
Living along the shores of Lake Michigan, Schumacher meticulously documented significant maritime events, including the tragic sinking of the freighter Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975. His accounts of the devastating November 1913 storm, which claimed over 250 lives, and the harrowing survival tale of four sailors in a 1958 storm on Lake Michigan left a profound impact on local history.
Emily described her father as “a history person” and “a good human,” emphasizing his love for storytelling and engagement with others. He was known for his longhand writing and filling countless notebooks, a process that she fondly recalls. “When I think of my dad, I think of him engaged in conversation, coffee in his hand and his notebook,” she shared.
As fans and fellow writers mourn the loss of Michael Schumacher, his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations. His insightful narratives and dedication to storytelling remind us of the power of words in capturing the human experience.
For those who wish to reflect on his work, Schumacher’s books remain available, ensuring that his voice continues to resonate through the pages of history. As the literary world processes this profound loss, readers are encouraged to share their memories and tributes to this remarkable author.
