Joe H. Schomer

Joe Schomer, 88, passed December 12, 2025, in his home surrounded by family. Joe was born in Washington DC, graduated from Wenatchee High School and was a long-time resident of the Kittitas Valley. Dr. Schomer taught at Central Washington University for 28 years, serving as a professor of education, reading specialist, and chair of the education department. Dr. Schomer had a passion for teaching reading, his students, and was firmly committed to keeping the messiest office on campus.

Joe was an exceptional athlete, excelling at football, basketball, baseball and track and field. Joe played baseball at Washington State University and is in the Wenatchee High School Hall of Fame. Long time residents of the valley can remember him jogging, riding his bike, running the score clock at Kittitas basketball games and doing lines for volleyball.

Beyond athletics, Joe was an avid horseman, continuing the tradition set forth by his uncle Joe Schomer from South Dakota. Joe raised and rode many good horses over the years, was an active member and leader of the cutting club in Ellensburg, and passed this love of all animals to his daughter. Stray animals seemed to be drawn to him, as so many dogs and cats walked to Joe and Allie’s residence to find their permanent home, even once including a bull.

Joe is preceded in death by his sister Judy and parents Beryl and Harold of Wenatchee. Joe is survived by his wife Allie, son Joseph and his three children, Elizabeth, Kathryn and Joseph, daughter Judy and granddaughter Josie. Knowing his love for animals, he would also include in this list his dog, several house cats, a random pigeon, certainly the barn cats, and a collection of fine horses.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Ellensburg. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com