Beverly "Bev" Schwarz

MADISON - Beverly "Bev" Schwarz passed away on October 4, 2026, in Madison. She was born on July 10, 1938, the daughter of Alfred F. Johnson and Evelyn E.J. Rickleffs.

Beverly graduated from Sterling High School in Sterling, Ill., and went on to earn her bachelor's degree from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. In 1960, she married James Arnulf Schwarz in Sterling. Beverly dedicated her career to education as a teacher and also served as a church musician, contributing her talents to the ministry at Trinity Lutheran Church on Winnebago Street.

Bev was an active member of the women's organization at Trinity Lutheran Church, known as TLCW, where she generously devoted her time and spirit. She loved flowers and enjoyed tending to her flower garden. Beverly took great pleasure in attending her children’s sporting events.  She cherished family travels to Florida, Walt Disney World, Europe and Texas. She also enjoyed playing board games and Euchre with her granddaughter, Ellen "Ellie" Luebken.  She enjoyed going to movies and plays and attending UW Badgers games. 

Beverly is survived by her husband, James Schwarz; sons, Mark Schwarz and Eric Schwarz; granddaughter Ellie (Cody) Luebken, great-grandchildren, Waverly and Archer "Archie" Luebken; brother-in-law, John Anderson; nephew, Richard (Christina) Anderson, great-niece, Lindsey Anderson, great-nephew, Vincent Lamia; niece, Amy (Tom Lorenz) Fisher; and niece, Ann (Steve) Sturner, great-nieces, Michelle Sturner and Catherine Sturner. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Beth Schultz; sister, Valeria Anderson; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Carol and Tom Fisher; and nephew, Martin (Shu Ping Hsu) Anderson.

A memorial service will be held at TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1904 Winnebago St., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026, with a luncheon to follow until 1:30 p.m. A visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church. The family thanks everyone for their support during this difficult time. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420