Jan. 19, 2026 7:30p
(WGTD)---A prolific Kenosha author with a larger-than-life personality was remembered last week on WGTD’s “Morning Show.”
Michael Schumacher, according to his obituary, died peacefully at home late last month at the age of 75.
Schumacher is best known for his biographies and for his books and articles on Lake Michigan shipwrecks. He appeared on The Morning Show over a dozen times to talk about them.
Schumacher was a regular at Frank’s Diner in downtown Kenosha. Co-owner Kevin Ervin describes him as a cornerstone character of the business who loved its comfort food. He remembers Schumacher's 60th birthday party where the diner crew prepared a birthday "cake" that was actually made of meatloaf. Mashed potatoes and gravy were made to look like the frosting.
Schumacher drew a daily crowd to a back booth, where Joan Lutz got to know him well. She says her friend could talk to anybody about any thing and held deep convictions. Lutz treasures the times she was part of the conversation. "Some times I would have to pull myself away because I could sit there for hours," she said. "I always felt our conversations with meaningful and memorable."
Milwaukee author, cartoonist and alternative newspaper publisher Denis Kinchen collaborated with Schumacher on a book and was well-acquainted with his work habits. "He jumped into any subject with a fierce dedication yet at the same time he never ever lost his sense of humor," he said.
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