Leo Joseph "Kip" Schuhmacher

Leo Joseph "Kip" Schuhmacher passed away December 15, 2023 in Wheatridge, Colorado from complications of Quadriplegia, with his three children by his side.

Kip was born October 16, 1951 to Leo Joseph "Mick" Schuhmacher and Betty Rose (Mangold) Schuhmacher. He was the first, and only boy, of four children. On March 22, 1972 Kip married Barbara Kay Belloni from Newport, Oregon. Together they had three children: Jed Alan (Janeene Smith) Schuhmacher, Tess Ellen (Matthew) Langford and Leo Joseph "Mick" (Robin) Schuhmacher.

Kip was born in Chester, Montana and spent the first nine years of his life on the family farm south of town. His family then moved to Chinook, where his mother married Roy Sattleen. Roy became a loving father to Kip and his sisters Pamela and Judy. Their union welcomed another sister, Shannon Sattleen, to the family. They later divorced and Betty found the love of her life, Jack Cooper. Jack was also a wonderful father to Betty's four children and he and Kip became very close. Jack passed away in April of 2011.

Kip and Barb moved to Joplin, Montana in 1975 where he took a Manager's Position with Farmer's Union Co-op. He managed the Co-op until 1981 when he and Barb left their jobs to purchase the local tavern. They named it Schmuckers Bar. It was then that they decided to start a family. They were blessed with the opportunity to adopt Jed in 1981 and Tess in 1984. 10 months later, in true Schuhmacher fashion, Mick surprised them with his presence.

In 1991 they decided to move back to Chinook where Kip worked for Rainbow Irrigation. He worked there briefly before taking a position back at Farmer's Union Co Op, this time in the fertilizer department driving truck. In 2000, Kip decided to do something different and took a job for the Blaine County Road Department where he worked until a motorcycle accident left him paralyzed in 2012. Kip and Barb divorced in 2013.

After his motorcycle accident, Kip spent time at the Craig Hospital in Denver, Colorado before moving back home for a year. With a heavy heart, Kip decided to sell his house and move back to the Denver area to be closer to doctors and necessary care for his Quadriplegia.

Kip loved everything outdoors. Hunting, fishing, ice fishing, camping, boating and gopher hunting to name a few. He was also an excellent wood worker. Many of his pieces are still in many people's homes. Later in his life, Kip developed a love for riding his Harley Davidson. He spent many weekends riding around Montana and even took the trip of a lifetime to Sturgis, South Dakota. He talked about that trip for many years after. Kip loved his children and grandchildren very much. They all learned many lessons from Kip by just "tagging along."

Kip was preceded in death by his parents, a stepfather Roy Sattleen, a stepfather Jack Cooper, grandparents Frank and Bernice Mangold, and sister Pamela Schuhmacher.

He is survived by his three children, sisters Judy (Lennie) Drugge and Shannon Sattleen. Grandchildren Addison, Ian, Kyler, Dax, Collins, Paige and Drew, numerous Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held June 8, 2024, at 10:00am at the Chinook High School Auditorium with reception to follow at Wallner Hall. Cremation has taken place and arrangements are being made by Wilderness Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Chinook Rod and Gun Club or charity of your choice.