From the Schumachers

We would like to share a memory we hold dear to our hearts of Troy when he was a young boy. When we moved to Rapid City from Hill City, our daughter, Karri, started third grade at Annie Tallent. She had a rocky start because of some bullying from a group of boys. One day on the playground, this group of boys took Karri's lunchbox from her and began kicking it around. Another boy stepped up to her defense and told them to leave her alone and when they asked him "why and what's it to you," he answered them by saying she was his sister. Because this boy was apparently well liked and also an upper classman (maybe a 5th grader), they backed off. For days afterwards, this boy would watch over her on the playground or walk her to class to make sure she was not bothered. Karri had no idea who he was, but when she told us his name was Troy O'Neill, we certainly knew who he was and were very thankful. The world is so small at times!

We are sure Troy was a wonderful son as he certainly was a wonderful young man. We know you will miss him terribly, and we will pray that your precious memories of him will give you comfort and peace until you meet again.

Gary & Shirley Schumacher

(from a letter sent to Gary & Sharon Tschetter, printed here with permission)