MICHAEL PAUL "McQ" TSCHUMPER

Michael Paul “McQ” Tschumper, age 74, of Hokah, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 2, at Gundersen Tweeten Care Center. He was born on September 18, 1951, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, to Fred Sr. and Leona (Johnston) Tschumper. He went home to the family farm where he lived his entire life, working the land and raising his family. He attended St. Peter’s Catholic School through the 8th grade and graduated from La Crescent Senior High School in 1970. On October 27, 1979, he married the love of his life, Connie Dietmaier, and they raised four children. Together, they milked cows, baled hay, and enjoyed all the simple pleasures of life. He was a lifetime member of St. Peter’s Church in Hokah, a member of the Hokah Lions Club and Knights of Columbus Council #5115, and faithfully and proudly served for 32 years on the Hokah Fire Department. Mike always saw the best in everyone and was a friend to many. He was especially close to his brother-in-law, Bill Flannery, with whom he shared daily telephone conversations while they were milking their cows. Mike loved Elvis, country music, watching westerns (especially True Grit and Lonesome Dove), playing softball, playing cards, hunting, and drives in the country with Connie and the kids. In later years, his grandchildren were the joy of his life, and he always wanted his hugs and kisses! Mike is survived by his wife of 46 years, Connie; children Theresa (Tim) Von Arx of Hokah, Paul (Tracy) Tschumper of Mantorville, MN, Laura (Adam) Vanden Heuvel of Delano, MN, and Eddie (Megan) Tschumper of La Crescent; grandchildren James, Annie, Jared, and Maddie Von Arx, October and Jack Tschumper, Finn, Vivian, and Auggie Vanden Heuvel, and Salem and Otto Tschumper. He is also survived by a brother Fred Tschumper Jr. of La Crescent; sisters Marlene (John) Sprosty of Fountain Valley, CA, Frances Schlegel of Hokah, Nancy (Tim) Salis of Burkesville, KY, and Cindy (Jerry) Welke of Hokah; brothers-in-law Nick Dietmaier of Onalaska and Mike Newhouse of Kearney, MO; and sister-in-law Judy Tschumper of Burnsville, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Jim, Don, and Bob; sisters Pat, Marilyn, Donna Jean, and Barbara; brothers-in-law Bill Ulmen Sr., Bill Flannery, and Jack Schlegel. Everyone will miss Mike immensely, but his memory will live on in all his family and numerous friends. The family would like to thank the staff at Gundersen Tweeten Care Center and Gundersen Hospice for the devoted and loving care that was given to Mike. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, June 12th, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Hokah, MN, Fr. John Evans officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, June 11th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Church. Burial will follow the Mass at St. Joseph Convent Cemetery, Hokah. Memorials may be given to St. Peter’s School or the Hokah Volunteer Fire Department. “If you want any one thing too badly, it's likely to turn out to be a disappointment. The only healthy way to live life is to learn to like all the little everyday things, like a sip of good whiskey in the evening, a soft bed, a glass of buttermilk, or a feisty gentleman like myself.” Gus McCrae (Robert Duvall) in “Lonesome Dove”

MICHAEL PAUL "McQ" TSCHUMPER

November 18, 1951 - June 2, 2026