Bridget Rose Schumacher, 30, of Crofton, NE, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 25, 2024 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, South Dakota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 2, 2024, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Crofton, NE with Reverend Jim Keiter officiating. The trade fair will be broadcast live and can be viewed at www.facebook.com/WintzRay. Burial will be in St. Rose of Lima Cemetery, Crofton. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Crofton, with a Rosary and Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Wintz Funeral Home in Crofton.

Bridget's family only asks for prayers. However, if you feel like you need to do more, the family asks that you give the young children a basket of something instead of plants or flowers.

Bridget was born on May 18, 1994 in Yankton, SD to Gary and Joselyn (Wieseler) Arens. She loved growing up on her family farm with her brothers and sisters. She attended St. Rose of Lima Elementary School and graduated from Crofton High School in 2013. She pursued a degree in psychology with minors in education and coaching from the University of South Dakota. At USD, she will be remembered as a great (Coyote) basketball player and team leader. She then earned her master's degree in school counseling, which allowed her to do what she loved: helping people. Bridget put her passion to work as an elementary school counselor in Crofton. At the time of her death, she was close to completing her master's degree in school administration.

Bridget married Taylor Schumacher on May 26, 2018 and this marriage resulted in four beautiful children. As Eli would always say, “Dad, you are your mother's one true love.” A love that deepened when she adopted her favorite title, “Mom.” As Bridget would say, “I just want to be with my kids.” Her childminder always said that as soon as Bridget pulled into the driveway, she would run to the door. Bridget took her children everywhere, whether she was going to Taylor's softball games, meeting Taylor at the farm, taking the children everywhere, or staying home, she loved being with her children and her husband more than anything in the world . From the moment she became a wife and mother, she spent every waking moment making sure her family was cared for and “well fed.” She made every birthday, holiday and anniversary extra special by adding her own little touch.

She managed to make everyone around her feel like family, whether they were a neighbor next door or a cousin ten hours away. She greeted you with a dimpled smile or a long, friendly conversation. A conversation that made everyone feel special that they would never forget. Her lasting impression on people was contagious and always worth remembering.

Bridget didn't have to verbalize or outwardly express her faith; she lived it. Even though it meant dragging her four “busy” children to church alone, she was determined to pass on her faith to her children. Her children quickly embraced her faith, discovering a love for nativity scenes and baby Jesus. This love led to a collection of nativity scenes, which the children always enjoy arranging and displaying. For Bridget, it wasn't always important how it looked, but rather how it made the children feel.

Bridget is survived by her husband, Taylor Schumacher of Crofton, NE; sons: Elijah, Briggs and Cooper, daughter Tia; her parents, Gary and Joselyn Arens of Crofton, NE; brothers Trevor (Sarah) Crofton, NE and Trent (Kristin) Verdigre, NE; sisters Allison (Shawn) Koehler, Pierce, NE, Monica (Jackson) Diede Yankton, SD, and Alexis Arens, Crofton, NE; six nephews, five nieces; her in-laws, Duane and Luann Schumacher, Travis (Michelle) Schumacher, Tanya (Nick) DeWald and Tanner (Megan) Schumacher, four nephews and two nieces; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Bridget was preceded in death by her little angel, her grandparents Gerald and Lucille Arens, and Arthur and Sharon Wieseler.

“Isn’t mom the best! Yes, mothers, the best. I love you mom.”