Michael W. Schwartz
Michael W. Schwartz, 77, died on Wednesday November 16, 2016 at Rosewood Care Center in Rockford, IL.
Michael W. Schwartz, son of the late Clarence W. Schwartz and Mary Catharine (Bridgeman) Schwartz was born May 7, 1939 in Menomonie, WI. He was raised on a dairy farm outside Menomonie and was a 1957 graduate of Dunn County School of Agriculture. Throughout his school years he was an active participant in 4H and FFA with sheep and swine showing. After graduating he apprenticed and became a professional sheep shearer.
He met and fell in love with Judith M Lindsley of Chetek and they wed on July 17, 1965. Shortly thereafter he became a business partner in Hwy 64 Implements. Following this he began working for Groenewold Fur & Wool Company and moved to Illinois in 1971 to work at the company headquarters where he was a wool and fur grader for the remainder of his career.
He was preceded in death by Judith in 2003. He is survived by his brother William C. and Linda K. (Tremble) Schwartz. Additionally he is survived by his son Tom M. and wife T.J. and their son; and Brian W. and his wife Jessica A. (Hicks) Schwartz and grandchildren Evan, Ethan, Adam, Aaron, Emmett, and Sarah.
Mike was a lifelong avid sportsman. He was especially fond of hunting, fishing, and sport shooting. He was an expert craftsman making turkey calls and his own arrows. Later in life he became an expert at reloading ammunition. Always searching for new hobbies, he also raised orchids. Known for his great sense of humor and outgoing personality, he will be dearly missed by family and friends.
Visitation will be held at Burke -Tubbs at 203 3rd Ave, Forreston, IL on Saturday November 19, 2016 from 11am to 2pm.
Visitation in Wisconsin will be held on Monday November 21, 2016 at Rhiel Funeral Home at 2317 Schneider Ave, Menomonie from 1-3pm with burial service immediately following at Cedar Falls Cemetery.