Thomas M. Schwarz

Thomas Schwarz, 61, of Wonder Lake, Illinois, passed away on March 28, 2025, in Crystal Lake, Illinois. He leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service that touched everyone who knew him.
Thomas Schwarz was born on November 18, 1963, in Willowick, Ohio, to parents Thomas and Joan (Morley) Schwarz. He spent his formative years in Ohio, Nebraska, and Texas, where he discovered a love of football and played on his high school team. Despite embracing Texas high school football, Thomas remained a devoted Cleveland Browns fan, proudly cheering on his favorite team every season and honoring his Ohio roots and became a Packers fan later in life. An avid learner from the start, he went on to pursue higher education, ultimately earning an MBA degree after receiving a bachelor's degree in chemistry.
On July 5, 1986, Thomas married the love of his life, Lora Totton Schwarz, in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Their marriage of nearly four decades was defined by love, laughter, and unwavering support. Together they made their home in Wonder Lake, Illinois, and were blessed with a child, born as Thomas now CJ, who was the light of their father's life. Thomas was a devoted husband and father – he cherished family game nights, heartfelt conversations, and the simple joy of spending quality time with his loved ones.
Professionally, Thomas built a successful career in adhesives sales. He applied his strong scientific background and friendly demeanor to excel in his field. Over the years, he became well-respected for his knowledge, integrity, and the genuine care he showed toward colleagues and clients alike. Thomas took pride in helping solve problems for others in his industry, reflecting his natural passion for helping others even in his work life.
Faith was the cornerstone of Thomas's life, and he was an active member of his local Presbyterian Church in Woodstock where he generously gave his time and energy to serve others. Thomas volunteered with the church's audio-visual team, ensuring services ran smoothly each week, and also devoted time to the youth's ministry, delighting in sharing lessons and smiles with the teens. Additionally, he was deeply involved in the church's Disaster Assistance program, traveling to help communities in need after natural disasters and offering hope and support to those facing hardship. His church family was like a second family to him, and his devotion and kindness left a lasting impact on everyone around him.
Outside of work and church, Thomas embraced many passions. He had a competitive spirit and loved a bit of friendly competition - whether on the golf course or around the board game table, he was always up for a challenge and plenty of laughter. Thomas enjoyed the outdoors and found peace in nature; some of his favorite moments were spent camping under the stars or tending to his yard and home garden on a sunny afternoon. Even mowing the lawn or raking leaves became a labor of love for him. Through all these activities, one thing was clear: Thomas embraced life fully and appreciated every moment.
Friends and family will remember Thomas for his warm heart, deep spirituality, and infectious enthusiasm for life. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome – whether you knew him for minutes or decades, he greeted you with a genuine smile and a readiness to help. His competitive spirit was matched only by his compassion; Thomas would just as readily volunteer to help a neighbor as he would invite you to join a friendly game. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, but his legacy of faith, love, and service will continue to inspire those he leaves behind.
Thomas is survived by his loving wife, Lora Totton Schwarz; his beloved child, CJ Schwarz; and his brother, Todd Schwarz of New York City, NY. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Joan (Morley) Schwarz, and beloved aunt Marge.
Visitation will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Woodstock, IL on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 1:00pm until 3:00pm, with the service to follow.
Arrangements are being handled by Justen's Wonder Lake Funeral Home in Illinois. For service details and assistance, please contact the funeral home at 815-385-2400. Family and friends are invited to visit Thomas's tribute wall at www.justenfh.com, where they can share memories, photos, and messages celebrating his life.