ABOUT US

Before opening his furniture store at 1240 Main Street in 1905, Peter I. Schauer farmed for his father, operated a flour mill with his brother, and with his brother ran a hotel. He also logged timber off land that he owned.

This native of the town of Scott in Brown County is a classic example of the 19th century entrepreneur who found scores of opportunities knocking and wasn't afraid to act upon them.

The furniture store was an immediate success and in two years Schauer moved it to 114 North Washington Street. He later was joined by Arthur Schumacher, who became a partner.

Schumacher's father, John P. Schumacher, was the first practicing embalmer in the state and had been associated with his father-in-law in the firm of Lefebrve and Schumacher, a furniture and undertaking business. He retired in 1900.

Undertaking has its origins in the days when bodies were cared for by family and neighbors in the home. Because it was in the wood and upholstery business, the furniture store supplied coffins and buggy drivers who delivered the coffin to the home and often provided the additional service of carrying the body to the cemetery. Store persons who would "undertake" the work evolved into undertakers.

In 1922 the Schauer & Schumacher firm purchased the building at 227 East Walnut Street. In 1927 an adjoining facility was completed to serve as a funeral home, the first of its kind in Green Bay.

Also in 1927, Arthur's brother Urban joined the business. Urban married Peter Schauer's daughter. Urban died in 1933. Arthur retired in 1944 and was succeeded by Ray F. Kiefer, who married the younger of Peter Schauer's daughters. Keifer retired in 1965.

The corporation was owned and operated by Peter's grandsons. Peter J. Schumacher managed the funeral homes with the assistance of Urban I. Schumacher and John P. Kiefer. Ray F. Kiefer, Jr. succeeded his father and managed the furniture store.

In 1956 the original funeral home relocated to 340 South Monroe Avenue and in 1965 a west side facility was built at 838 South Fisk Street.

The furniture store underwent major remodeling in 1935 and again in 1977. The 1977 renovation was accomplished with the professional assistance of Bryant & Forney of San Francisco.

As a result of past downtown renewal programs, a rear entrance was constructed for easy access to parking.

In 1990 Keifer sold the business to George Swenson, a former Pennsylvania House rep that called on the store. Mr. Swenson owned the business until 1995 when it was sold to Curt and Karen Saari of Green Bay. The Saari's added the Stickley Fine Furniture line soon after purchasing the business.

The business moved from Downtown in November 2001 to a spacious new one floor location at 2230 South Ashland Ave on Green Bay's west side. The new store has easy access from WI 172 and is 1/2 mile North on Ashland. The site has ample free parking and a covered front entrance.

Schauer & Schumacher Furniture has a long-standing and uncompromising commitment to fine furniture, interior design, and superior service in Green Bay and Northeast Wisconsin. We look forward to welcoming you to Schauer & Schumacher Furniture.