Benedict "Ben" Schwarz II

Benedict Schwarz II, of Elgin, Illinois, passed away on August 22, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and dear friends. A respected attorney, mentor, and advocate for others, Ben dedicated his life to the law, to justice, and to his community. Ben was guided by compassion and a deep commitment to serving others, always giving of himself to strengthen his community and support those in need.

The son of Dr. William A. Schwarz and Marie V. Schwarz was born in 1942 in New York, NY. He married his loving wife Andrea L. Schwarz on June 3, 1984, in a beautiful ceremony in Elgin. Ben and his wife, Andrea, made their home in Elgin, then West Dundee, and eventually returned to Elgin, where they spent their married life together. They built a loving family, joining their lives and hearts with their daughter, Angela. Their partnership extended beyond their home, as they often worked side by side in their professions, supporting one another and sharing a commitment to helping others.

Ben earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Social Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He went on to receive his Juris Doctorate from John Marshall Law School in Chicago and was licensed to practice law that same year. He was admitted to the Illinois Bar in May 1971.

For more than 50 years, Ben practiced law in West Dundee, Illinois, devoting his practice exclusively to matrimonial and family matters. Through his work, he touched the lives of countless families, always striving to resolve difficult circumstances with compassion, fairness, and professionalism.

His distinguished career extended well beyond his private practice. Ben was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court as one of seven Commissioners of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC). The ARDC assists the Illinois Supreme Court in regulating the legal profession through attorney registration, education, investigation, prosecution, and remedial action. From 2001 to 2010, he served as Chairperson of the ARDC, guiding the Commission with integrity and wisdom. He later continued his service as a member of the ARDC Review Board from 2011 to 2021. In each of these roles, Ben earned the admiration of colleagues statewide for his steady leadership, sound judgment, and unwavering devotion to upholding the highest ethical standards of the legal profession.

Ben was a Court-Approved Divorce Mediator in Kane and McHenry County Courts, completing over five hundred hours of mediation. He helped establish mediation in Kane County and was invited by the presiding Judge of the Family Division in McHenry County to assist in creating its court-approved program. Over the years, he also co-mediated with his wife, Andrea Schwarz, LCSW, whose private practice was in the same historic building as his own practice. In addition, Ben taught numerous sessions on Conflict Resolution and Divorce Mediation, both privately and in collaboration with Aurora University and the Kane, McHenry, and DuPage County Bar Associations. His teaching and mentorship left a lasting impact on the legal community and on the many attorneys he guided throughout his career.

Ben also gave generously of his time and talents through extensive community and civic service. He served on the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin, he was on the Board of Trustees of The Conservation Foundation, and as a member of the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Psychology Board of Visitors. He also contributed his leadership to the Northern Illinois University College of Law as a member of its Board of Visitors (1994–2009), serving as Chair from 2004–2005.

Ben's dedication to family law and social justice extended into task forces and community initiatives, including the Child Custody Evaluation Task Force for the Kane County Courts, Chair of the Kane County State's Attorney Task Force on Domestic Violence, and founding Chair of the Kane County Abuser's Task Force. His service also included the Lawyers Assistance Program (Board of Directors), the Open-Door Clinic (Board of Directors), and Freedom Farm (Board of Directors).

Ben was a proud member of Mensa, an organization that recognizes individuals with exceptional intellectual ability, approximately 3% of the population. His sharp mind, quick wit, and love of learning were evident to all who knew him. Yet, despite his remarkable intellect, Ben remained humble, using his gifts not for self-recognition, but to guide, mentor, and support others throughout both his professional and personal life.

Ben's life was enriched by his love of travel, fishing, his eye for photography, and his constant pursuit of knowledge. He approached each new experience with curiosity and joy, leaving behind a legacy of wonder and appreciation for the world around him.

Ben is survived by his wife Andrea L. Schwarz, his daughter Angela Matijevic (Robert), his grandchildren, Alexis Matijevic, Nicholas Matijevic (Jailene), his sister Valerie Neary (Jim), his nephews David Neary (Kathy), and William Neary (Dori). He will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and sense of humor. Those who knew him admired not only his keen legal mind but also his ability to connect with people and always see the best in others.

A service celebrating Ben's life will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Yurs Funeral Home of Geneva, 1771 W. State Street, Geneva, IL 60134. Family and friends are invited to gather, with a special time for sharing memories and stories at 6:15 p.m. In accordance with Ben's wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Community Crisis Center in Elgin or the Conservation Foundation.

Ben's legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the families he helped, the colleagues he mentored, and the profession and community he elevated through his lifelong dedication, integrity, and service.