Lester O. Schwartz

Artist, professor, and father, died at age 93 on May 16, 2006. His artistic spirit inspired and delighted all who knew him.

He was born June 29, 1912 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin to the late Abraham and Martha Schwartz who immigrated from Russia at the turn of the century. His close-knit family included sister Ann, and brothers, Myer, Harry, Bernard, Rudolf and Isadore who preceded him in death. His brother Milton, sister-in-law Bess, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews mourn his passing.

He joined the Ripon College faculty as artist-in-residence in 1944 and dedicated the next 33 years to the school until his retirement in 1977. Just days before his death, he expressed his great desire to attend his 61st Ripon College commencement ceremony. He fulfilled that wish on May 14, last Sunday.

In 1956, he married Gloria Greco. They shared a passion for the land and created a beautiful environment in which to raise their three daughters, Leslieann (John), Tanya Renoir (Randy) and Gigi Martha (Scott).

After Gloria's death in 1986, Lester immersed himself in painting and traveled for several months each winter to Central and South America and Europe. He would return after each visit with paintings inspired by what he had experienced in these places. In 1990, wanting to share his work with the public, he opened his home as an art gallery. He created large steel sculptures that were placed within the landscape around his home. He created art and sculpture prolifically until his stroke in 1996. With the help of daughter Tanya, the gallery remained open for tours until his death.

During the last 10 years of his life, he was able to greet the arrival of his five grandchildren, Hayden, Mia, Jonah, Ian and Oliver. His children and grandchildren will miss his humor, his generous spirit and his delight in the beauty of the world around him.

Lester's family is deeply grateful to the staff at Michalene's Assisted Living Facility. The love and compassion they have shown to our father has been a great comfort to us in the years since his stroke.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Schwartz Art Gallery, Green Lake, at 2:00PM on Friday, May 19, 2006. In lieu of flowers, direct memorials to Anshe Toale Zedek Synagogue, PO Box 2291, Manitowoc, WI 54421-2291.

Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home

is assisting the family.

www.butzinmarchant.com