John Charles Schwartz Sr.

MADISON - John Charles Schwartz, Sr. age 91, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 13, 2018, at Agrace Hospice Care surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Nov. 16, 1926, in Madison, to Elmer and Louise (Rippel) Schwartz. John graduated from St. James Elementary, Madison West High School, and the UW-Madison, where he majored in education.He freely served during WWII in the U.S. Army in the Philippines campaign from 1944 to 1945, staying into 1946 to assist General MacArthur in the reconstruction efforts. Upon his return, John re-enrolled at UW under the GI Bill. He also proudly played as a member of UW varsity basketball team from 1948 to 1950. After his post-war return, John continued his courtship with Patricia Schillinger, whom he met in high school. They eventually married, having four children, John, Jr. (Gail) Schwartz, Fred (Debbie) Schwartz, Joe (Angela) Schwartz, and Jenny (Joel) Stieber. John and Pat were very happily married for 55 years.John’s 38-year tenure at Oscar Mayer began by driving the Mayer kids to school and continued mostly in the purchasing department until retiring in 1988. He then dedicated much of the subsequent three decades to volunteer work, most notably at several area elementary schools mentoring and helping students learn to read.In addition to his four children and their spouses, John is also survived by his 11 grandchildren, Rachel (Matty) Kleinberg, Emily (Hunter) Swindell, Laura (Peter) Cesaro, Tim Schwartz, Sarah (Mike) Kuemmel, Katie Schwartz, Joe (Taryn) Schwartz, Andrew Schwartz, Eric (Lindsay) Stieber, Leah Stieber, Matt Stieber; as well as 8 great-grandchildren, Will and Drew Kleinberg, Reilly Swindell, Claire, Charlie, and Lily Kuemmel, and Emery and Colton Schwartz.John was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Schwartz; parents, Elmer and Louise; sister, Ethel Shelton; brother, Robert; and his second wife, Alice Yost.Throughout his life, John immensely enjoyed participating and watching sports, including seeing his children and grandchildren compete in high school and college athletics. He was always a continuous source of inspiration and warmth, greeting everyone he saw with a friendly hello. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at BLESSED SACARAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH,  2121 Rowley Ave., Madison, at 10 a.m. on Tuesday June 19, 2018, with Fr. Andy McAlpin and Fr. Patrick Norris concelebrating. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at the Friary in the church following the interment service. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Monday, June 18, 2018. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to a scholarship fund at Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, established in John’s name.  The family would like to thank the professional and caring staff at Oakwood West Tabor Oaks Assisted Living Center for their dedication during the seven years he lived there and the medical and support staff at Agrace Hospice Care who provided compassionate care for John during his final days especially Brian James and Lisa Cappelli. The family also wishes to recognize the exceptional care John received from Dr. Clifford Anderson and Norah Grady-Letendre, NP. Online condolences may be made to www.gundersonfh.com.