Stephen M. Schwartz

Stephen "Steve" M. Schwartz, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on April 4, 2024, his baptismal birthday. He died peacefully at home in Shullsburg, Wisconsin, surrounded by his loving family, after courageously battling prostate cancer for nearly five years. He was 74 years old.
Steve was born on November 15, 1949 in Monroe, Wisconsin to Murray and Marion (McConnell) Schwartz. He grew up on the family farm in Darlington, Wisconsin.
Steve's life was filled with love, laughter, and a deep commitment to his family and community. He was a devoted husband to Kathie Jo (Kraus), whom he married on August 31, 1985, at the United Methodist Church in Apple River, IL. Together, they raised a beautiful family and shared countless memories.
Steve's dedication to his family was unwavering. He is survived by his loving wife Kathie Jo; his children Michelle (Mike) Jackson, Heather (Jesse) Harshman, Whitnie Schwartz, and Wade (Olivia) Schwartz; and his cherished grandchildren Mercedes Harshman, Marissa Harshman, Kaden Austin, Ayden Schwartz, Emalynn Austin, Bentley Schwartz, and Graysyn Austin.
In addition to his immediate family, Steve is survived by his brothers Gary (Michele Belisle) Schwartz and Wayne (Chris) Schwartz, and his sisters Ruth Ann (Chris) Teutschmann and Arla (Harold) Folbrecht. He is also survived by beloved nieces, nephews, and numerous long-time friends, plus his loving canine-son Murray and granddog Bucky.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents Murray & Marion Schwartz, Mother-in-law Elizabeth "Betty" Kraus, and niece Dayna Mullikin.
Steve's journey through life was marked by hard work and dedication. He graduated from Darlington High School in 1967 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Platteville University in 1971. His varied employment history included many different jobs, but his true passion was farming. In 1984, he fully committed to farming, and in 1991, he and Kathie ventured out on their own.
Steve was deeply involved in his community, serving on the Shullsburg School Board from 1993 to 2010 and the Pecatonica Coop Board. His faith was also important to him, and he was a member of the Centenary United Methodist Church.
Steve enjoyed farming, gardening, and bird watching; plus, traveling and saying he had visited all 50 states as well as New Zealand. He also had a love for supper clubs (always on the lookout for the best prime rib and Old Fashions), playing cards, puzzles, and spending time with his loved ones over a cup of coffee and a piece of pie. Steve's warm personality, his sense of humor, and his love for conversation endeared him to all who knew him.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at Centenary United Methodist Church (226 W. Church St., Shullsburg) with Rev. Maria Kim officiating. A visitation will be held Monday, April 8, 2024 from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Centenary United Methodist Church and again on Tuesday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Steve's name to a memorial fund set up in his honor.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Agrace Hospice and Sentinel Homecare for the care provided to Steve which allowed him to stay in the comfort of his home, and for the friends and family who visited and shared favorite stories and memories with him.
Steve will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his legacy of love, kindness, and dedication live on in the hearts of those he touched, and the greatest honor we can give him is "Don't cry because he's gone, but smile because we knew him"