Lee Michael Schumaker

OTTAWA – Lee Michael Schumaker, 21, of Ottawa, OH, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. He was born December 29, 2004, in Coldwater, OH, to Michael and Jill (Karhoff) Schumaker.

Lee was a big guy with an even bigger heart. He had an ornery smile, a twinkle in his eye, and a joyful laugh that lit up the room. He loved a practical joke, loved making people laugh, and had a way of working himself right into people’s hearts. He could connect with anyone, whether you had known him for years or had just met him.

Lee embraced who he was. He was open about being on the autism spectrum and often joked about it with a self-deprecating humor that put others at ease. He worked hard to understand it, would happily explain what he knew, and understood that it was part of what made him uniquely himself.

He had several interests, chief among them military history and nerf blasters. As a founding member of the Ottawa Ohio Nerf Club, Lee created a space for himself and others to play and laugh together. He loved to travel to different Nerf events around the Midwest to put his knowledge and skills to the test. In high school, he was a percussionist in the OGHS Band, finding his rhythm and coming into his own.

Lee worked for Production Products Inc. in Columbus Grove and formerly worked for Kohl’s Community Market in Ottawa. He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa, and the Ottawa Boy Scouts.

He now enters eternal life and is deeply missed by his parents, Michael and Jill; his sister, Gillian (Christian) Mocek of Toledo; and his brother, Noah Schumaker of Ottawa. He is also cherished by his maternal grandparents, Stan and Emily Karhoff; paternal grandparents, Judy and Dan Siefker; his nieces and nephews, Simon, Eloise, and Wendell.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Dwain Schumaker; and his uncle, Glenn Schumaker.

Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 23, 2026, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa with Fr. Scott Kramer and Fr. Jeff McBeth officiating. Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Sunday and 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. on Monday at LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa.

Memorial donations may be made to Challenged Champions of Ottawa or the Suicide Awareness Run/Walk of Putnam County.

Though Lee’s life was far too short, those who knew him were blessed by his warm laugh, his endless curiosity, and his unique way of showing love. His presence was unmistakable, and his absence will be deeply felt. He will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved him.

Condolences may be expressed at www.loveheitmeyer.com