Brooke Schumm, Jr.

Brooke Schumm, Jr., was born on October 8, 1931, in Shanghai, China, while his father Brooke (Elisabeth) was  serving in the United States Navy Asiatic Fleet. His father was a career naval officer and by the time he was a junior in high school, Brooke had moved from coast to coast eleven times. This constant relocation shaped him and made him resilient and independent, as did his father’s long absences at sea, especially during World War II while he served in the Pacific as executive officer on the cruiser USS SAN DIEGO.

Brooke was a track and cross country runner at Central High School in Washington, DC where he graduated.  He went on to Rensselaer Polytechnic University on a scholarship reserved for the sons of naval officers, majoring in chemical engineering.  After school he served in the Army, and then earned a PhD in electrochemistry from the University of Rochester, eventually becoming a world-renowned expert in dry cell battery research and magnesium dioxide processing while working for Union Carbide Corporation in Cleveland, Ohio. He served in the Army Reserves through much of his adult life and retired with the rank of Colonel.

An avid storyteller, and history buff, Brooke and his wife travelled the world for his work which he continued well into his 80s and for pleasure while learning and appreciating the many cultures they encountered.  He passed peacefully away on November 30, 2025 after a short illness surrounded by loved ones. 

Brooke is survived by his wife of 70 years, Elizabeth (Betty) Holenweg Schumm; a son, Brooke III (Kari); and three daughters: Elizabeth Emerson (Rick), Julie Klein D’Alonzo (Ray), and Nancy Schumm. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, his younger brother Walter (Kim), and many nieces and nephews .  A devout Lutheran, he set an example of optimism, hard work, honesty, personal integrity, and generous service to his family and beyond.

Brooke moved to Ellicott City in 2011. Funeral service will be held Friday, December 5, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at First Evangelical Lutheran Church on Chatham Road in Ellicott City. Burial will be private at Crownsville Military Cemetery in Annapolis, MD.

In lieu of flowers please plant a tree in his honor or make a donation to Lutheran World Relief on his behalf. 

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