Bernard Schwartze

Bernard Henry Schwartze, 91, of Jefferson City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025.

Born on August 7, 1934, in Vienna, Missouri, Bernard was the son of Alfred and Anna (Falter) Schwartze. He attended Visitation Parish Grade School in Vienna and, in August 1955, became a proud member of Carpenters Local #945, beginning a long and dedicated career in union carpentry.

On April 7, 1956, he married the love of his life, Marcella Regina Boeckmann, in St. Elizabeth, Missouri. Together, they built a life centered around faith, family, and hard work. In 1960, Bernard built the family home on Landwehr Lane, a labor of love that still stands as a testament to his craftsmanship and devotion.

Bernard worked as a union carpenter and foreman for 35 years with several construction companies, including Duke Linhardt Construction, Schell Construction, Scheperle Construction, Dalstein and Elley Construction, and B.D. Simon Construction. He retired in August 1989 to travel and spend time with Marcella and family.

A lifelong Catholic, Bernard was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Jefferson City and belonged to the Holy Name Society. His strong faith was a guiding force throughout his life.

Bernard was deeply involved in his union and community. He served in numerous leadership roles for Carpenters Local #945, including nine years as President, eight years as Treasurer, and ten years as Trustee. He also served as a delegate for the Central Missouri District Council of Carpenters for eight years and the Missouri Central Labor Union of Jefferson City for six years. In 2025, Bernard proudly celebrated 70 years with the Carpenters Union.

In addition to his work and union service, Bernard was active in supporting his children's activities. He served for six years as President of the Helias Band Boosters Association and contributed to the Helias Boosters Steering Committee.

Since July 2001, he generously gave his time as a volunteer for a local charity, always willing to help others in quiet and meaningful ways. He enjoyed and cherished time spent on his son's farm.

Bernard is survived by his four children: Lorraine Blanck (Joe) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Bernard Schwartze (Joyce) of Sterling, Colorado; Charles Schwartze (Betsy) of Overland Park, Kansas; and Irene "Zim" Bramblett (Jay) of Rocheport, Missouri; grandchildren, Richard Blanck III, Joshua Blanck, William Schwartze, Elizabeth Major, Joseph Schwartze, Emma Wargo, Emily Keller, Jack Ulvang, Tabitha Bramblett, and Elijah Bramblett; great-grandchildren Rosalyn Lorenzen, Zoie, Heidi, Abigail, Genevieve, and Noah Keller ; two brothers: Martin Schwartze of Holts Summit and Daniel Schwartze of Vienna, Missouri; two sisters: Betty Holtmeyer of St. Charles and Mary Jane Luebbering of Jefferson City.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Marcella; his parents, Alfred and Anna Schwartze; and siblings Fred, Alvin, James, and David Schwartze.

Bernard will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, skilled craftsman, tireless union leader, and faithful servant of God. His legacy of hard work, generosity, and integrity lives on in the family and community he loved so dearly.

Friends and family will be received from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Matthew Flatley officiating and Fr. Joshua Duncan co-officiating. A private burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Immaculate Conception Church.

Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main St.; Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com