Dr. Kenneth I. Gumaer Jr. DVM

Dr. Kenneth I. Gumaer, DVM, of Middleport, passed away on Aug. 2, 2019 under the care of Hospice, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born in Massachusetts on Oct. 12, 1946 to Dr. Kenneth I. Gumaer and Catherine Stahl.

In 1964, he graduated from Rhinebeck High School before continuing his education at Cornell University. After earning his undergraduate degree in 1968, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and he completed basic training and Ranger School at Fort Benning, Ga. In 1969, he went on to serve his country in Vietnam as a  lieutenant of the scout dog patrol unit.

Upon completion of his tour in Vietnam, he went back to Cornell to study veterinary medicine. In 1976, he graduated from Cornell and joined Ridge Animal Hospital in Middleport, where he became a partner. He served that practice’s clientele for over 40 years. His level of dedication to the profession and his work ethic was, and is today, rarely seen.

Dr. Gumaer was the leader of the 4-H Beef Program through Niagara County Cornell Cooperative Extension for many years. He was a role model who inspired many students to pursue careers in the agricultural field. He took great pride and was devoted to being a mentor to the youth in the 4-H program, and it brought him great satisfaction to witness their accomplishments. He has a real passion for passing on his knowledge of beef cattle husbandry.

With his wife, Mary, Dr. Gumaer operated Ladybug Farm in Middleport, where they raised a large herd of Simmental cattle. Through many years of studying the genetics of the cattle, they were able to produce the top gaining and indexing bull over all other breeds at the 2018 Pennsylvania Bull Test.

He was involved in many organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Bovine Practitioners Association, American Simmental Association, NY State Beef Producers, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Pennsylvania Simmental Association, New York Simmental Association and WNY Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Gumaer was an incredibly selfless and compassionate man who truly cared about animals and people. He was a respected member of the community who touched many lives. His quiet charm, humble manner and infectious smile will be greatly missed by many.

He was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Kenneth I. Gumaer Sr., DVM, and Catherine (Stahl) Gumaer.

Dr. Gumaer is survived by his wife, Mary; children, Douglas (Pat) Gumaer, Stephanie Gumaer and Peter (April) Gumaer; stepchildren, Alex (Kelly) Spangenberg, Kyle (Nichole) Moore and Justin (Melissa) Adams; 16 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother, William (Roz) Gumaer; sister, Holly Clemens; several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Sherrie Bream Funeral Home, 4521 Main St., Gasport, on Wed., Aug. 7 from 4 to 8 p.m. Ken’s funeral service will be held at Hartland Bible Church, 8110 West Ave., Gasport, on Thu., Aug. 8 at 10 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow at Hartland Central Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H, Beef & Dairy Program, 4487 Lake Ave., Lockport NY 14094; or to The Warrior House of WNY, 10314 Johnson Road, Middleport NY 14105; or to the charity of your choice.

To share a special memory of Dr. Gumaer, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.